Telenet to cut jobs and close several stores

Belgian telecoms operator Telenet has announced plans to reduce its workforce by about 10% and close six retail stores as part of what it describes as a "strategic optimisation" of its Belgian operations.

The restructuring will affect both headquarters staff and retail employees. In a statement, the company said that the move was part of a broader effort to sharpen its growth strategy and streamline its retail network.

Telenet said that the decision was “completely unrelated to the recent announcement about Telenet being incorporated into Ziggo Group”.

Telenet completed its merger with the Dutch Ziggo Group last week, with the goal of achieving "scale in Europe", according to Telenet chief executive John Porter.

Porter added that “Telenet will remain Telenet” - at least for the foreseeable future.

The company confirmed that six shops will shut their doors in the coming months - including three in Brussels operated under Telenet's mobile subsidiary, Base. The affected Brussels stores are those at Louise, La Chasse (Etterbeek) and Westland Shopping (Anderlecht).

Base stores in Kiel and Merksem and a Telenet store in Schoten will also close.

Telenet said it aimed to focus more strongly on digital services and selected flagship stores, reflecting changing customer behaviour and increased online interactions.

"People are very shocked by this and didn't see it coming," said BBTK union representative Bjorn Beukeleers. "Many employees are also not happy about it, and we're already seeing a huge willingness to take action."

Alongside the store closures, the telecoms group is launching a voluntary departure programme.

"Eligible employees who choose to leave the company voluntarily will be able to benefit from a personalised support package," the company said.

Porter said that the process would be handled carefully. The reduction of employees will be carried out “with the utmost respect for our employees and partners”, he added.

The company has not yet specified how many jobs will be affected in Brussels specifically, but most of the affected layoffs will be consultants.

According to BRUZZ, Telenet currently employees about 375 consultants. Social dialogue with employee representatives and Telenet is expected to begin in the coming weeks.