Restructuring at Telefonica
13th September 2011
Close tabs are being kept on developments at Telefonica following the announcement of a major restructuring which, at face value, would appear to increase the centrality of the company's UK operations.
The move will see the Spanish division axed as a stand alone business, with that part of Telefonica's operations rolled into a new expanded Telefonica Europe - of which O2 is already a key component.
Most exciting, from a UK perspective, however, is the establishment of an all-new London-based 'Telefonica Digital' division - which will replace the Spanish business to sit alongside Europe and Latin America as one of the group's three core businesses.
The Digital division will initially be based at the former O2 headquarters building in Slough, pending its ultimate move to a new central London headquarters and the transfer to the UK of around 2,500 roles which are currently conducted in Madrid.
CWU assistant secretary
Sally Bridge said: "While it appears that
Telefonica is requiring the individuals affected to move from
Madrid to London with their work I don't think we can
automatically assume that everyone will want to transfer.
"That means it could mean new jobs in the UK and, if so, some would be likely to be of IT / technical grades that the CWU already represents. In that situation, we'd certainly be looking to recruit them."
On the wider restructuring, Sally added: "We don't yet know the wider implications of the company's restructuring plans, so we have to be cautious on the question of what it will mean for UK employees. As such the CWU is watching developments closely, and will move swiftly to defend the interest of our members should that prove necessary.
"The CWU's initial thoughts, however, is that the fact the Spanish operations are going to come into the mainstream European structure makes good sense - and establishment of a whole new part of the company in London must be good for the UK.
"Logically it would seem to suggest that the restructure will make Telefonica less Madrid-centric - but only time will tell."
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