We had a program of voluntary severance, to downsize public employment.

After three hours of talks yesterday, union conveners at the yard said they felt it would be fruitless to oppose the proposed voluntary severances.

I believe this too will be achieved through voluntary severance.

With a view to recruiting Catholics for the police force, the statement suggested voluntary severance to make jobs available.

It is hoped that the run down can be achieved by voluntary severance and redeployment.

Over 111 staff members applied for voluntary severance as a result, receiving a lump-sum payment equal to six months' salary by willingly leaving.

The company will then offer voluntary severance, Ms. Ruble said.

The biggest of these special charges was for a voluntary severance and retirement plan accepted by 1,100 managers.

There will also be a scheme of voluntary severance for staff at the company's London head office.

Digital said it would offer voluntary severance to between 5,000 and 8,000 workers and was considering new plant consolidations.