The Calgary-based company said the cuts are confined to its conventional natural gas and shale divisions as it moves to be an unconventional gas player. Most of the cuts affect technical and support staff mainly in Calgary.

"The essence of this is that Talisman's business is changing," said Talisman spokeswoman Phoebe Buckland. "It's a tough day for the company."

Cuts do not affect Talisman's overseas operations in the North Sea or Asia, she added.