WorldCom raises spectre of job losses

Best hide behind the sofa for this one

By Tim Richardson • Get more from this author

Posted in Business, 14th February 2001 08:49 GMT

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Staff at WorldCom International and UUNet have been warned that the integration of both companies will almost certainly lead to job losses.

In a "Dear Colleague" internal memo issued to employees yesterday, WorldCom International head, Liam Strong, continued to expound the merits of UUNet becoming enveloped by WorldCom.

But he also warned that integration would come at a price.

Said Strong: "Whilst the details of the new organisational structure are still under discussion, there will be some inevitable rationalisation and change as the business is streamlined.

"...where there are the same or similar functions which span both businesses this may result in a duplication of roles and the requirement to reduce headcount in the new combined function," he said.

He continued: "Many of you will already have seen speculative reports in the media that WorldCom is intending to downsize its business. In International our aim will be to define the new organisation and to minimise as much as is possible any disruption due to change and reduction in headcount."

WorldCom has always declined to comment on job losses associated with this proposed internal merger.

Last month it was reported that WorldCom could can more than 10,000 of its workforce in a move to streamline the business.

UUNet is a WorldCom company. ®