The Oxfordshire-based group wants to cut costs and this includes staffing levels among the firm's 8,000-strong UK workforce.

The cuts are expected to take effect by the end of the year.

Amey has outlets all over the country and provides services for groups such as Marks and Spencer, Railtrack and the Ministry of Defence.

'Reduce overheads'

Brian Staples, chief executive of the Abingdon-based group said their aim was to get rid of "non-core" activities and focus on the company's trading strengths.

"There are some job losses involved in this, as unfortunately there are in most rationalisations," he said.

The businesses that may be sold include consulting business Vectra, IT contractor Resource Management, and and IT staff placement business.

Datal, which provides information systems for railway stations, may be also be sold.