Vodafone cuts hit call centres

MOBILE phone giant Vodafone has confirmed it is to axe 500 jobs across its UK business.

The cuts will affect the group’s call centres, rather than retail outlets, it is understood. The company employs 480 staff at its call centre in Birchwood, Warrington.

Vodafone could not confirm how many jobs in Warrington would be affected, when contacted by TheBusinessDesk.

The job cuts are part of previously announced plans for £1bn of cost cuts. Vodafone said it was reducing its operating costs to “compete more effectively in the UK market”.
 
“As customers look for best value in their mobile services, Vodafone intends to reduce its cost base whilst continuing to invest in new products and services to meet changing customer needs,” it said in a statement.

The company employs 10,000 across the country. The 500 job losses are understood to include around 170 posts at its head office in Berkshire, in back-office type roles.

Vodafone also has call centres and offices in Stoke-on-Trent, Hayes, Newark, Banbury, Theale, Trowbridge and London.