VMO2 weighs about 4,000 job cuts from 16,000 staff

TL;DR: VMO2 is reportedly preparing to cut thousands of jobs in the UK, with Sky News reporting that about 4,000 roles could be affected from a 16,000-employee workforce. The operator is expected to outline cost-reduction targets in its Q3 results on 3 November as it works to reduce costs and a debt load of about £22 billion.

VMO2 is reportedly planning to cut thousands of jobs in the coming months, with Sky News reporting that around 4,000 roles could be affected. The operator has about 16,000 employees and is finalising the scale of the reductions.

VMO2 is expected to announce cost-reduction targets, rather than a formal headcount reduction, in its Q3 results on 3 November. The reported plan is linked to efforts to reduce costs and lower a debt load of about £22 billion.

Prospect, the trade union representing VMO2 staff, has been informed of the plans, according to Sky News. The majority of affected employees are expected to be in non-customer-facing roles, and contractors and suppliers are also expected to be reviewed.

VMO2 is jointly owned by Liberty Global and Telefonica. Sky News said the workforce changes are likely to form part of a wider transformation initiative led by CEO Lutz Schuler, as UK operators including BT Group and VodafoneThree pursue cost-saving programmes.