United Utilities Group The FTSE 100 company said it has already cut 500 jobs and more will go as it undertakes a large cost-saving programme, primarily in its regulated business. "It is inevitable that there will be more job cuts," said Philip Green, chief executive of the water group. "But we are also bringing costs down in other areas, like customer service delivery, where costs have gone from £23 per customer to £19 per customer. We are also looking at pension costs."   Related Articles Water companies can't wash away FTSE's rise UK water bills: the battle between the regulator and suppliers Ofwat's move to curb water profits creates storm FTSE poised to break record winning streak Revenue warns of more attacks as VAT crackdown bears fruit United has also signed new supplier contracts which it hopes will deliver significant savings and improve operational efficiency. The company will pay a total dividend of 34.3p per share for the current financial year, dropping to 30p next year.[Read more...]