Npower expected to cut 4,500 UK jobs bbc.com

The energy firm sets out plans to make itself more profitable but unions call the cuts a "body blow".

Energy firm Npower is expected to announce up to 4,500 job cuts in the UK as part of a restructuring plan to make it more profitable.

Unions called the action a "cruel blow" for the company's workers in the run-up to Christmas.

Under the restructuring plan, Npower's owner E.On is planning to merge computer systems to save money.

"The UK market is currently particularly challenging," said Johannes Teyssen, E.On chief executive.