United plans to lay off about 700 mechanics as of Jan. 11. Most of the jobs to be eliminated were announced earlier this fall, but deferred until afte

(NECN/WTNH) - A major layoff announcement from a New England jet-engine manufacturer. Pratt and Whitney will lay off 350 salaried employees, most of the cuts happening in Connecticut.

Spokeswoman Jennifer Whitlow says the layoffs took effect today. They represent less than 1 percent of the company's work force of more than 38,000 employees. About 280 of the layoffs will occur at the company's Connecticut operations. The remaining 70 will affect employees in 12 other states, including Maine.

Whitlow says the job cuts are being done because of economic conditions in the aerospace industry. She says Pratt is taking the action to keep its cost structure competitive. Pratt & Whitney is a subsidiary of Hartford, Conn.-based United Technologies Corp.