FACTBOX - Job cuts by large companies in Britain

LONDON (Reuters) - Companies are cutting jobs as they respond to the global economic downturn. Following is a list of some of the biggest names announcing major job cuts since September 31 (in alphabetical order):

* AstraZeneca

The Anglo-Swedish drugmaker said on November 20 it plans 1,400 job cuts and is closing three plants around Europe as it joins others in the sector tackling increased competition and cost pressures.

* British Telecom

The group said on November 13 it would cut around 10,000 jobs and planned to trim the cost of its pension scheme after issuing a profit warning.

* Daily Mail & General Trust

The newspaper publisher said on November 20 some 400 people had already left or were about to leave its Northcliffe regional newspaper division, over half way towards its job cuts target.

* GKN Holdings

The aerospace and defence manufacturer said on October 20 it would reduce its staff by 1,400, close plants and introduce short-term working.