Distribution goliath Westcon Group has told around 25 of its UK-based staff that their jobs are at risk as part of a cost-cutting drive.

This would represent about 5 per cent of the networking, convergence and security distributor’s 450-strong local workforce.

It is believed that both UK staff and pan-European staff based out of the UK are under threat as the Cisco, Nortel, Avaya and Check Point partner adjusts its cost base to the tough climate.

According to industry sources, the heaviest casualties are expected to occur at Westcon’s pan-European R&D division, which focuses on emerging technology areas such as mobility. All eight roles are said to be under threat, which would effectively mean the unit is disbanded.

Staff involved in the cut-backs were put on a 30-day consultation period last week.

Westcon said it could not comment on the story because its parent company, South Africa-listed IT group Datatec, is currently in a quiet period.