UK mobile networks to cut jobs?

The Guardian says the mobile phone industry is likely to cut thousands of jobs in the UK during early 2009, blaming competition and the economic slowdown.

Vodafone to open 50 new shops

Vodafone says it'll open 50 new shops in the coming financial year, taking its UK total to 400. The first new shops will open in Bristol, London and Liverpool, with most of the others ready by Spring next year. This follows the company's March announcement that it was cutting management jobs and creating new retail positions. [Press release]

Vodafone to cut 450 jobs

Vodafone says it's going to cut 450 management jobs, mainly from its Newbury HQ, and will create 460 new retail, sales and service positions. The company says this will help it focus on data sales and other services. It's also planning to add an extra 30 jobs to its online business. [Source: Reuters.com, CNNMoney.com]

Third-biggest US network to cut jobs

Sprint Nextel, the third-largest mobile network in the USA, says it needs to lose around 4,000 members of staff in 2008 and will close around 125 of its retail shops plus around 4,000 third-party distribution points in a bid to save up to $800 million a year. [Press release]

Nokia closing German factory

Nokia has said it will stop making mobile devices in Germany and will close its Bochum site by mid-2008. Around 2,300 Nokia employees will be affected by this decision. Manufacturing will be moved to other European Nokia sites that are more cost-competitive. Two German MPs have already said they're responding by boycotting the Nokia brand. [Sources: Press release; DW-world.de]