AltaVista Europe has said that job cuts in the US will not dent its recruitment drive programme in Britain and the Continent.

On Wednesday the Webco sacked 40 employees - around five per cent of its US workforce - in a bid to cut costs and save money.

AltaVista spokesman, David Emanuel, told CNet: "This is part of a calculated plan to control expenses and accelerate our path to profitability."

A statement issued today by AltaVista Europe - which has its European headquarters in Maidenhead, Berkshire - said European operations would be unaffected by the move.

"AltaVista Europe is continuing with its expansion plans, and will carry on hiring personnel to support the existing and planned AltaVista sites," said Mechtild Walser-Ertel, human resources director, AltaVista Europe.

"AltaVista Europe's recruitment programme has not been affected by the job cuts at AltaVista in the United States," he said.

Yesterday, the Webco appointed Pierre Paperon as President of AltaVista Europe. The former MD of AltaVista France will report directly to Rod Schrock, President and CEO of AltaVista. ®