ESB to lay off hundreds of workers in coming years

The ESB is reportedly planning to shed hundreds of jobs over the next five years in the section of the company that installs and maintains Ireland's power network.

Reports this morning say management wants to let go 500 full-time workers and hundreds more employed by outside contractors.

The ESB is hoping to achieve the cuts on a phased and voluntary basis.

The lay-offs are being planned because the upgrade of the ESB's transmissions systems nationwide is due to peak in 2009, after which a smaller number of technicians will be needed.