Mobile operator Virgin Media O2 is to slash up to 2,000 UK jobs by the end of this year, in the first large-scale round of layoffs the company has overseen since its creation in 2021. 

The group said on Tuesday 25 July that it had briefed employee unions and representative groups on its proposals. The redundancies will include 800 role reductions that were already announced, the BBC has reported.

“As we continue to integrate and transform as a company, we are currently consulting on proposals to simplify our operating model to better deliver for customers, which will see a reduction in some roles this year,” the company said. “While we know any period of change can be difficult, we are committed to supporting all of our people.”

The firm added it was supporting its staff as it has “open and honest conversations” about its future.

The mobile operator came together in 2021 through a merger between telecommunications companies O2 and Virgin Media, owned...