The company said the job losses would primarily affect back office positions in a number of locations, including its headquarters in Newbury, Berkshire.

The cuts are part of a £1bn cost-cutting programme undertaken by the group in the last year as it looks to improve its fortunes.

But Vodafone also said it would be taking on 170 new staff in retail and call-centre roles.

An additional 50 graduates will start work this September after more than 3,000 applied to its university leaver programme.

Matthew Brearley, human resources director at Vodafone UK, said: “We’re committed to increasing the number of customer-facing employees which will help us simplify our business and continue to deliver outstanding communications services across the UK’s best network.”

Full Article Business Sky News, Ed Merrison, Sky News Online