Persimmon\'s trading update for the first six months of the year illustrates the continuing impact of the so-called mortgage famine, as sales are down by 31% and reservations by 30%. The housebuilder has blamed “the significant reduced availability of mortgage funds and reduction in consumer confidence” for its slowing sales and the cuts it is now making to costs, output and staff. A total of 1,100 salaried staff and 900 site-based workers are to be laid off - a total of 40% of the company\'s workforce.