DOZENS of jobs are at risk at Southern Water as the firm feels the effects of a major fine.

The company, based in Worthing and Falmer, sent emails to some employees warning of cuts due to “organisational changes”.

Southern Water did not disclose how many jobs will be affected but The Argus understands the number is less than 100.

It is also understood the cuts will mainly affect corporate posts and not those working on front-line services.

The firm was left reeling after it was slapped with a £123 million fine by water watchdog Ofwat last year.

An investigation found the company had not operated its wastewater plants properly leading to devastating spillages.

A Southern Water spokesman said the changes ensure it will be “fit for the future”.

“Southern Water has undergone an enormous amount of change over the past 3 years and continues to change at pace as its new executive team seeks to continually improve performance and meet the tough financial challenge set by our regulator Ofwat,” he said.

“This means we need to look hard at the shape of our teams and ensure they are fit for the future to ensure we can deliver good services for our customers.

“Staff who are impacted by these changes are being fully supported by the company.”

Last Wednesday Southern Water pleaded guilty to 51 illegal wastewater discharges after an Environment Agency investigation.

The company is due to be sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court, Kent, in October.