Infrastructure consultancy firm Opus International cannot rule out further job losses after saying it plans to cut its workforce in Britain by a fifth because of the economic downturn.
The Opus operation in Britain recorded a pre-tax loss of $NZ5.4 million.
Managing director Kevin Thompson says infrastructure work in the private sector has dried up in the UK.
He says 75 people, mainly engineers, planners and scientists, are expected to lose their jobs out of a workforce of 360 there, though he can't rule out further job losses.
He says the move will allow its UK business to operate profitably.
Shares in Opus rose by 16 cents to $1.35 on Wednesday.