A POWER company could cut 29 jobs in Colchester and 600 nationwide.

UK Power Networks, formerly part of EDF, is planning to shut offices in Wyncolls Road and Middleborough, but may retain the one in Smeaton Close, Colchester.

The company is consulting over a potential 400 job losses this year and 100 in each of the next two years.

All the job losses will be in the East of England, London and the South East. A spokesman for the company said it was hopeful most would be through contractors and voluntary redundancies, but could not rule out more cuts in the future.

Spokesman Phil Spiby said: “UK Power Networks can confirm it is currently in the process of consultation with its recognised trade unions and staff representatives on proposals to improve its operational efficiency and reduce costs.

“The proposals being discussed are likely to result in voluntary redundancies in the support and indirect functions within the business. Staff who work directly on the electricity network will not be impacted.”

The company is hoping to be able to relocate the staff at the two closing offices but is relying on having enough voluntary redundancies to fill the proposed cuts.