FACTBOX - Troubles faced by major house builders

(Reuters) - Barratt Developments (BDEV.L) will cut nearly a fifth of its workforce to cope with the housing market downturn, joining other builders taking similar measures.

House builders have cut nearly 4,000 staff in the past two weeks. Here are some key facts about the major companies which have announced job cuts:

* PERSIMMON (PSN.L):

-- The biggest house builder by market value and number three by homes built. It operates in England, Wales and Scotland under brand names Persimmon Homes, Charles Church, City Developments, Westbury Partnerships and Space4.

-- BASIC FACTS:

Market capitalisation - 707 million pounds

Total assets (as of December 31, 2007): 4,156 million pounds

2007 revenue: 3,014.9 million pounds

2007 pretax profit: 582.7 million pounds