[Russ]

I've just received the official word - this will be made a news article soon:

Virgin Media today announced that it is undertaking a restructuring of its operations aimed at driving further improvements in its operational performance and ensuring it offers the best possible products, service and value for money to its customers.

Virgin Media expects these changes to significantly improve the efficiency of the business and reduce its workforce by approximately 2200 by 2012. Subject to internal consultation, the company anticipates the majority of these changes are likely to be implemented between the fourth quarter of 2009 and the end of 2010.

The restructuring builds on the merger of ntl and Telewest and the subsequent acquisition of Virgin Mobile in 2006. It is a result of an intensive period of review which started in early 2008 to understand what is needed to create a fully-integrated, customer-focused organisation that is capable of competing effectively for the long-term.

The implications of the proposals for specific departments or locations are still to be finalised, however the company will be talking with employee representatives about its proposed new operating model. As the detailed impact of these changes become clear, Virgin Media will continue to collectively consult with its people and, wherever possible, look to mitigate the need for redundancy and offer alternative roles to those affected.

Neil Berkett, CEO of Virgin Media, said "These changes are critical to ensuring Virgin Media is positioned to compete effectively and deliver on our customers' changing expectations. Over the coming weeks and months, we will be developing more detailed proposals for their implementation. We recognise that this brings with it significant uncertainty for our people and the communities where they work. Throughout the process, we will be communicating as early and openly as we can."