Eircom is pushing to implement just over 300 redundancies ahead of its previously announced target of March 2011.

In a statement this afternoon, the company has revealed falling earnings and revenue at both its fixed line division and its mobile subsidiary Meteor.

Citing competitive pressures and the impact of the recession on its business, chief executive Paul Donovan said the company needed to cut costs further than it previously advised.

Just under 900 staff have already volunteered for Eircom’s redundancy package – agreed with staff last May, which was aimed at cutting 1,200 jobs from its payroll.