Shell to cut at least another 2,200 jobs globally

LONDON, (AP):

Anglo-Dutch oil company Royal Dutch Shell said it will trim at least 2,200 jobs globally amid challenging times in the oil industry.

The losses are in addition to cuts already being implemented because of the energy company's merger with BG. The losses will include some 475 positions in the North Sea.

Oil companies around the world are slashing jobs and postponing investments to adjust to lower energy prices. Prices have fallen because

production remains high even as slower economic growth,

particularly in China, reduces consumption.

Paul Goodfellow, Shell's vice president for the UK and Ireland, told staff yesterday that these are "tough times for

our industry and we have to take further difficult decisions

to ensure Shell remains

competitive through the current,

prolonged downturn."