INTEL today brought the prospect of more jobs uncertainty to Swindon with the announcement of worldwide cuts.

The microchip maker said it would be looking to cut 4,000 jobs because of a downturn in the personal computer market and a slowdown in corporate spending in the information technology centre.

The company's announcement comes just six months after it announced an expansion of its European headquarters in Swindon.

The company, which employs 750 people in Pipers Way, has won permission for the construction of new three and four storey offices buildings complete with car park.

It said the development would bring another 300 jobs to the town.

There was no indication from the company today about the affect the announcement of worldwide job cuts would have on the proposals for its Swindon office.