Virgin Media O2 to cut one in 10 jobs

Virgin Media O2 has announced plans to lay off up to 2,000 employees by July 2024.

The broadband and mobile operator is understood to have informed some staff that they are at risk of redundancy yesterday and has briefed trade unions about the changes.

The job cuts, which include restructuring that had been previously revealed to workers, will amount to more than a tenth of the telecoms company’s workforce.

A Virgin Media O2 spokesperson said: “As we continue to integrate and transform as a company, we are currently consulting on proposals to simplify our operating model to better deliver for customers, which will see a reduction in some roles this year.

“While we know any period of change can be difficult, we are committed to supporting all of our people and are working closely with the CWU and Prospect along with our internal employee representatives as we have open and honest conversations on the future direction of our business.”​

John Ferrett, Prospect union’s national secretary said: “Prospect has been actively engaged in consultation with VMO2 regarding the redundancy process. We understand that news like this can bring about feelings of anxiety and uncertainty among staff, and Prospect is tirelessly working to ensure their rights are safeguarded and to mitigate the impact of these changes.

“However, there is still work to be done, and both Prospect and CWU are working constructively with VMO2 and challenging them when necessary to get the best outcome for members and all workers. Prospect wants to reassure members that the announcement made yesterday of 2,000 redundancies is inclusive of changes made this year within operations, network expansion, and support functions.

“This is not in addition to the changes that were announced earlier this year by the company.“

Communication Workers Union assistant secretary Tracey Fussey said: “This news is causing a tremendous deal of anxiety among our membership, who are now feeling vulnerable about their jobs during a historic economic crisis.

“The confirmation of job losses is a tremendous disappointment, and we will be doing everything we can to mitigate against the redundancies. The announcement of 2,000 redundancies includes changes already made this year. We will continue to actively work with VMO2 through the consultation processes.”

The news comes after BT announced plans to cut its workforce by up to 55,000 by 2030, with many jobs set to be replaced by artificial intelligence. Similarly, in May, Vodafone announced its intention to cut 11,000 jobs over three years, simplifying is headquarters and local markets.

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Virgin Media O2 was formed in 2021 as a joint venture between Liberty Global and Telefónica, merging the Virgin Media and O2 UK businesses.

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