BP has said it would be looking for 30 percent reductions in Alaska - the 600 positions being eliminated are 29 percent of BP's total employee and contractor base of 2,085 in Alaska (963 employees and 1,122 contractors).

More than two-thirds of the reductions, 410 staff and contractor positions, are in the company's Anchorage headquarters building. One hundred and ninety of the eliminated positions are on the North Slope.

BP said that employees are being notified this week of their job status. Most reductions will be effective March 31.

"This is an extremely painful step, and we know it has a tremendous impact on many people's lives," said Richard Campbell, president of BP Alaska, in a Jan. 25 statement. "But it is essential," he said, "as part of our broader effort to reduce costs in order to sustain and prolong our Alaskan operations in this difficult business environment."

BP said that in addition to severance packages and benefits, affected staff are being provided outplacement assistance, counseling and coaching, career transition consultation and office support.