More job cuts as O2 pulls the belt in

More Rochdale workers are to become jobless as O2 announces a staff chop.

It was announced today (Wednesday 1 April) that the large mobile phone company is to shed 160 staff from its customer services departments, one of which is based in Bury.

Some of the employees are from the borough of Rochdale, but an exact number is unclear.

Speaking to Rochdale Online News, an O2 spokesman insisted the cut is not linked to the economic downturn.

He said: “We need to change some of our customer service roles so we can continue to meet the needs of our customers in a cost effective manner.

“Our core market has matured, competition remains intense and we are increasingly developing and supporting a broader range of products and services.

“As a result, some new customer service roles will be created but we do expect a net reduction of around 160 roles.

“We will re-skill where possible and redeploy as many people as we can into other roles. The areas under review are mainly our customer support functions (non-frontline) and our management teams”.

Andy Kerr, CWU deputy general secretary, said: “O2 is taking a responsible approach to this restructuring exercise which is based on company improvements, strengths and investment in automation.

“We have secured an agreement with O2 which gives staff the option of training to be re-deployed within the company in their present location. There is also an enhanced voluntary redundancy package for staff who are happy to leave the business.

“Job losses are always difficult for staff so we welcome a non-compulsory approach which provides a genuine choice. Re-training and redeployment opportunities show that O2 values its staff and we are particularly pleased to secure this element of the restructuring package.”

HAVE YOUR SAY: Are you being affected by the O2 cuts? Please contact the news desk: 

• news@rochdaleonline.co.uk
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