The biggest manufacturer of construction and mining equipment in the world, Caterpillar, has announced plans to definitively cut the jobs of 2 500 American workers who had previously been laid off.

This news comes after Caterpillar had just rehired 550 people who had been laid off as economic prospects have begun to improve.

Since the recession began, the firm has reduced its permanent and temporary staff worldwide by 34 000.

Source: BBC.co.uk/26.10.09