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Vodafone to axe 450 jobs in town Vodafone to axe 450 jobs in town
(about 4 hours later)
The mobile phone giant Vodafone is axing 450 jobs from its base in Berkshire to cut costs.The mobile phone giant Vodafone is axing 450 jobs from its base in Berkshire to cut costs.
Redundancies at Vodafone UK's Newbury headquarters will "simplify the way it works", said chief executive Nick Read.Redundancies at Vodafone UK's Newbury headquarters will "simplify the way it works", said chief executive Nick Read.
Senior management roles will be cut by 20%, as part of a series of initiatives to invest in data sales.Senior management roles will be cut by 20%, as part of a series of initiatives to invest in data sales.
However, Vodafone UK said on Tuesday it was recruiting a 330 retail advisors into its stores and creating up to 130 sales and service roles. Newbury MP Richard Benyon said: "I do fear that the effects of the so-called credit crunch are starting to be felt here in the Thames Valley."
The company also announced it was building a new, 850-seat customer services centre in Stoke-on-Trent and it would develop its on-line sales and customer services including enhanced e-billing capability, adding a further 30 roles. He added: "I feel huge sympathy for all who have lost their jobs today.
'Targeted investments' "I have had detailed briefings from the company over recent days and I am satisfied that everything will be done to provide for those who are facing redundancy.
Mr Read said: "Vodafone UK is clearly focused on building on its market leading position in data products and services. While many telecom companies are outsourcing their work we are pleased that Vodafone are choosing to invest in the UK workforce Communication Workers Union spokeswoman
"Today we are announcing a series of targeted investments to meet growing demand in this area, whilst simplifying the way we work, putting the customer at the heart of everything we do." "While any job loss is regrettable, I am sure of the financial stability of Vodafone. It is a global company that is growing across the world."
The news comes after mobile phone giant said in January it had not yet seen signs of an economic slowdown and believed it was well placed to cope with a potential recession Vodafone UK said on Tuesday it was recruiting 330 retail advisors into its stores and creating up to 130 sales and service roles.
The company also announced it was building a new, 850-seat customer services centre in Stoke-on-Trent and it would develop its online sales and customer services including enhanced e-billing capability, adding a further 30 roles.
Mr Read said: "Today we are announcing a series of targeted investments to meet growing demand in this area, whilst simplifying the way we work, putting the customer at the heart of everything we do."
'Growth industry'
The news comes after the mobile phone giant said in January it had not yet seen signs of an economic slowdown and believed it was well placed to cope with a potential recession
The firm reported revenue of £9.16bn for the last three months of 2007, which was 15.8% up on the same period in 2006.The firm reported revenue of £9.16bn for the last three months of 2007, which was 15.8% up on the same period in 2006.
A spokeswoman for the Communication Workers Union said: "The job losses in the Newbury area are regrettable, especially considering that Vodafone operates in a growth industry.
"CWU will support any member affected by this announcement."
But she said: "We welcome the investment by Vodafone into its customer interfacing sectors of retail, sales and customer support which could create up to 460 jobs across the UK.
"While many telecom companies are outsourcing their work we are pleased that Vodafone are choosing to invest in the UK workforce."