ITV News plans to axe over 400 jobs, including journalists and broadcast staff, under major cost-cutting plans.

Hundreds of jobs to go in cost-cutting plans

A letter sent to employees across the country said current staffing levels of 1,075 would be reduced to 646 - a loss of 429 jobs.

Unions condemned the proposals and warned of possible industrial action.

ITV News said while volunteers were being sought, it could not rule out compulsory redundancies.

John Cresswell, chief operating officer, said: "We are committed to a self-help, self-funding, solution to securing ITV's future.

"In order to sustain our investment in UK content, we have to keep on top of our cost base."