Vodafone New Zealand says it won't be affected by layoffs striking its Australian counterpart.
Vodafone Australia says it is restructuring to "prepare the business for the challenges of the consolidating mobile market" in Australia. Three hundred and fifty staff, about 12% of the total, will lose their jobs. Vodafone is Australia's third-largest cellphone company behind Telstra and Optus and all three have pointed to slowing new subscriber signings. All three are focusing more on making their existing customers and making them more profitable.
"The restructuring will result in a flatter management structure, aimed at improving communication and decision-making to ensure the business is equipped to respond quickly and flexibly to rapidly changing market demands," says a statement from Vodafone New Zealand.
Vodafone New Zealand is owned by Vodafone UK, as is Vodafone Australia, but run as a separate company. "The two operations are independent," the statement says.
The cuts were made following a review of Vodafone Australia conducted by new boss John Rohan, who moved from Vodafone New Zealand earlier this year.