The world’s biggest maker of mobile handsets Nokia said the move will hit staff in sales and marketing, corporate development functions and product purchasing and management divisions.
The bulk of the cuts – 700 – will go in Finland, where the group has its headquarters, but the UK and US will also be significantly affected.
Nokia employs 3,200 staff in the UK, with its regional head office in Farnborough, Hampshire, and major sites in Bristol and London.
“Altogether these plans will affect about 1 700 employees globally. Where applicable, Nokia will start consultations with employee representatives about these plans,” the company said in a statement.
Nokia’s head of communications, Arja Suominen, said the new job cuts were part of previously announced plans to slash costs by about $909-million or more over the next couple of years.
“We have since announced several initiatives. This is a new initiative,” she said, adding that details on how many jobs would be cut in which countries and units would become clearer as the negotiations proceed.
“Layoff processes and layoff times are different in different countries,” Suominen said.
Nokia streamlines operations in several units and functions
Nokia continues to increase cost-efficiency and adapt to market situation
As part of its previously announced plans to increase cost-efficiency and adapt to the market situation, Nokia today announced further actions it is taking in Devices and Markets units as well as in its Corporate Development Office and global support functions. Nokia plans to scale sales, marketing and technology management to match the pruned portfolio and global consumer demand; address the marketing and other activities that will no longer be integral following the Symbian acquisition; streamline the Devices R&D organization; and increase efficiency in certain global support functions.
Altogether these plans will affect approximately 1 700 employees globally. Where applicable, Nokia will start consultations with employee representatives about these plans.
All of these measures are part of Nokia’s previously announced plans to adjust business operations and cost base in accordance with market demand and safeguard future competitiveness. Nokia continues to seek savings in operational expenses, looking at all areas and activities across the company.
About Nokia
Nokia is the world’s number one manufacturer of mobile devices by market share and a leader in the converging Internet and communications industries. We make a wide range of devices for all major consumer segments and offer Internet services that enable people to experience music, maps, media, messaging and games. We also provide comprehensive digital map information through NAVTEQ and equipment, solutions and services for communications networks through Nokia Siemens Networks.
