WORKERS today slammed a boss who e-mailed employees to say some of them were losing their jobs.

The 2,600 staff at Royal Sun Alliance's main Horsham offices were among 24,000 workers at offices across the UK to receive the message.

The insurance giant's chief executive, Bob Mendelsohn, told staff in the e-mail that 100 managers were being made redundant to cut costs.

He also referred to his own £2.3 million annual salary and defended the "tremendous amount" he earned.

Union members today condemned Mr Mendelsohn's message, saying it showed a "crass insensitivity".

Peter Hart, who represents Horsham workers for the Manufacturing Science and Finance Union, and is based at the company's town centre offices, said: "A lot of people are very angry about this.

"To send a message like that over the computer system telling people they could be out of a job is a very unfeeling thing to do.

"It is bad enough to know that your job is on the line but to be told like this makes things worse."

American Mr Mendelsohn's e-mail said: "For a small percentage of staff, unfortunately you're in the wrong job at the wrong time and through no fault of your own, the job isn't necessary any more.

"I can anticipate the headlines - Mendelsohn makes millions as staff are sacked.

"Instead of being envious of management pay, why not take the attitude that you'll some day earn it yourself?"

A spokesman for Royal Sun Alliance said the e-mail had not been meant to offend and was part of the chief executive's policy of openness and honesty.

Mr Mendelsohn had invited staff to e-mail him with criticisms and he had been responding to some of the messages.

The reference to jobs not being necessary was aimed at managers who had already been told they would not be part of the set-up during a review of staff terms and conditions.

The company has already said 290 jobs are to go at its offices in Horsham and Brighton.

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