Virgin Media O2 to Cut Up to 2,000 Jobs Amidst Industry-Wide Challenges

The job cuts come as the company continues to integrate its operations following the merger of mobile operator O2 and broadband giant Virgin Media in 2021.

A company spokesperson acknowledged that any period of change "can be difficult" and added that the firm would support its staff during the consultation process.

The news of job cuts at Virgin Media O2 comes amid similar announcements from other telecoms companies in the UK, including BT and Vodafone.

BT has said it will shed up to 55,000 jobs by the end of the decade, mostly in the UK, as it cuts costs, while Vodafone has announced it will axe a tenth of its staff over the next three years, equating to 11,000 jobs.

The job cuts at Virgin Media O2 are likely to be due to the ongoing integration of the two businesses and a wider drive to improve efficiencies.

However, the telecoms industry is facing challenges, with revenue growth remaining slow while costs are increasing.

This is due to the need for investment in upgrades to 5G and fibre infrastructure.

Karen Egan, senior telecoms analyst at Enders Analysis, said the telecoms industry is "a very tough place" right now.

"Virgin Media O2 are particularly likely to be cutting jobs as they're still going through the integration process, but it's tough for all these companies right now," she said.

"Revenues aren't really growing, but costs certainly are...

because they're having to upgrade to 5G and to fibre and all of that requires investment.

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