Global market research giant Nielsen has announced staff cuts of 1,600 in 2009, or less than 5% of its workforce, disclosed by company officials in a conference call with investors and analysts.

A report from AdAge.com suggests chief financial officer, Brian West, declined on the call to detail the timing or precise areas of the reductions, which are in addition to the 4,100 announced shortly after the company was taken private in 2006.

West asserts that the moves are part of the continuing integration of Nielsen’s operations and efforts to grow earnings ahead of revenue.

“Were very focused on integration productivity. Weve shown an ability to deliver it, and as we head into 09 we need it now more than ever,” explains West.

A Nielsen spokesman has indicated that the majority of notifications regarding the new round of job cuts have already been made and that the cuts are being made globally.

Nielsen operates Nielsen Media Research, the Nielsen retail-tracking and consumer-panel business, Nielsen Online and Nielsen Business Media.