Thousands of jobs at risk from T-Mobile and Orange Merger

A controversial merger between T-Mobile and Orange has been given the green light, sparking fears of cut backs and job losses.

Experts and analysts predict that up to 2,000 positions may be on the line as the two companies look to cut a staggering £3.5 billion in costs from the merger.

Neither Richard Moat, head of the UK branch of T-Mobile, nor Tom Alexander, who runs Orange mobile would comment on how many jobs they were looking to cut. However, it’s expected that back office staff at both firms are likely to be hit the hardest.

Combined together the two mobile networks employ around 19,000 staff. Orange, with its head offices in Bristol have 12,500 personnel whilst T-Mobile based in North London employ 6,500. Despite analysts expecting shop closures in areas where both networks have outlets, Mr Alexander has floated the idea of creating larger stores that incorporate the two brands. This would potentially reduce staff cut backs in the retail area.

This news comes as the European Commission approved the two networks plans to merge after the Office of Fair Trading withdrew it’s request to conduct a full in-depth investigation into the deal. The combined company will leap to number one in terms of market share with around 37 per cent (30 million customers) knocking 02 and Vodafone into 2nd and 3rd respectively.

Job Centre Vacancies says: The hasty decision by The European Commission and the official enquiry withdrawal from the Office of Fair Trading comes as a shock to many consumer groups and independent bodies. It would seem that many people’s jobs are at risk as the two firms consolidate and restructure. Both T-Mobile and Orange are looking to save a massive £3.5 billion and this won’t happen without substantial job cuts.

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