Virgin Media O2 Redundancy Programme: Guidance for UK Employees

What has been announced

• On 31 October 2026, reports emerged that Virgin Media O2 is planning significant job cuts across its UK business.
• The planned redundancies are reported to affect thousands of jobs as part of a sweeping company shake-up and restructuring.
• Specific numbers of affected staff and individual sites have not yet been officially detailed in the reports.

About the company

Virgin Media O2 is a major telecommunications provider operating across the United Kingdom.

The business provides broadband, mobile, television, and home phone services to millions of consumers and corporate clients nationwide.

What happens next

Virgin Media O2 must follow UK statutory consultation rules before making dismissals.

When an employer proposes 100 or more redundancies at one establishment, collective consultation must last at least 45 days before the first dismissal takes effect. For 20 to 99 redundancies, the minimum period is 30 days.

Consultations must take place with trade union representatives or elected employee representatives to explore ways of avoiding dismissals, reducing numbers, and mitigating consequences.

Employees placed at risk must also be invited to individual consultation meetings to discuss selection criteria and suitable alternative employment.

Voluntary or compulsory redundancy

Virgin Media O2 may choose to invite applications for voluntary redundancy before moving to compulsory redundancies.

Applying for voluntary redundancy is optional, and the employer retains the right to accept or reject any application based on business needs.

If compulsory redundancies are required, the company must use fair and objective selection criteria applied consistently across the workforce.

Your settlement agreement

Employers often offer settlement agreements during restructuring to provide enhanced severance terms in exchange for waiving legal claims.

To be legally binding, you must receive independent legal advice on the terms and effect of the settlement agreement from a qualified adviser, such as a solicitor.

Your employer typically contributes towards your legal fees for obtaining this advice.

Qualifying employees with at least two continuous years of service are entitled to statutory redundancy pay, calculated using their age, length of service, and weekly pay subject to statutory caps.

Common questions

How Deen & Co helps

Deen & Co Solicitors advises UK employees facing redundancy on their statutory rights, redundancy selection processes, and settlement agreements. Our solicitors provide independent legal advice on settlement terms, explain your options clearly, and can negotiate enhanced termination packages on your behalf.

Read more about settlement agreement advice or work out your statutory redundancy pay.

If your role is in London, our settlement agreement solicitors London can review the package before you sign.