Rolls-Royce to cut up to 2,000 jobs next year

London, Nov 20 (DPA) Aero-engine maker Rolls-Royce said Thursday it would cut up to 2,000 jobs worldwide as a result of the current economic 'uncertainties.'

Rolls-Royce, which employs 39,000 workers globally, of whom 60 percent are based in Britain, said the announcement was the first stage in a more general programme aimed at matching the group's capacity more closely with the expected load in its facilities.

'Rolls-Royce has been reviewing the possible impact of current economic uncertainties, delays on individual programmes, such as the Airbus A380 and the Boeing 787, and the benefits of the group's continuing focus on efficiency,' the company said.

The company said that around 1,500 to 2,000 jobs will be cut in 2009.