Amidst an economic recession, US jet engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney has decided to lay off 350 workers, which is less than 1% of its total operating staff. The company announced this plan yesterday.

The workers, 250 of whom are located in Connecticut, hold white-collar positions across the industry, explained spokeswoman Jennifer Whitlow. The layoffs were effective as of today. Whitlow maintains, “We are trying to reduce out cost structure so we can remain competitive.”

By the end of 2008, Pratt & Whitney expects to employ around 38,000 people.