Optus to cut 200 staff in consumer business

Optus will make around 200 staff in its Australian consumer business redundant under a business transformation strategy that is currently being implemented.

The round of cuts, first reported by Computerworld, are part of a broader program of work that aimed to “remove duplication, deliver operating efficiencies and embrace next-generation technologies, digitisation and automation,” an Optus spokesperson said.

Optus said that changes to its consumer business would help shift it to becoming a “mobile-led, digital service provider”.

“Optus has made a number of operational changes since launching the company’s business transformation strategy,” the spokesperson said in a statement.

“These additional changes are part of that strategy and will impact certain roles, including approximately 200 staff being made redundant.

“We have spoken with affected employees and are discussing redeployment opportunities where available.”

The Optus spokesperson said that the cuts and shift to digital would not come at the expense of customer service.

“As we make these important strategic decisions, we continue to invest in improving customer experience and ensure we have the right skills and capabilities in place,” the spokesperson said.

Computerworld reported the text of an internal email sent by Optus CEO Allen Lew to staff earlier this week, which outlined an expansion of the telco’s long-running Agile program and the likely creation of more technology and data-focused roles.

Optus has been on its Agile journey since 2013, rolling out Agile ways of working across its Group IT, Digital, Networks, Optus Business and Virgin Mobile businesses.

It first extended Agile structures to its Consumer Australia business in the second half of 2018. This week’s internal announcement by Lew outlines work extending that.

Optus declined to release the full text of the announcement, citing internal policy.