Telstra slashes 1100 jobs

Telstra has announced that it expects to see a reduction of 1100 positions in its operations business as changes from a restructure announced in May are implemented.

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“At the time, we said we expected there to be impacts on jobs from these changes and, after reviewing the business over the last few months, today we briefed our people on the expected impacts,” said COO Brendon Riley in a statement.

"Always when there are implications for people's jobs it is difficult, and this is no exception. We will work through a careful consultation process with our people and we will do so with the utmost respect and sensitivity."

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The proposed cuts amount to about 6 per cent of the division's staff, and will affect network technicians in New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, Queensland and the Australian Capital Territory.

Telstra's customer service division and media unit are also set to be reviewed.

Mr Riley said the reduction in workforce numbers did not change the telco's absolute commitment to continue to improve service for its customers.

"We are seeing reductions of roles in declining businesses, due to evolving technologies and the restructuring of our industry, and growth in other areas such as NAS [network applications and services]," he said.

In August, it announced a 13 per cent increase in profits to $3.9 billion, as it signed up 1.3 million more customers to its mobile network.

Cost cutting and operational improvements were credited for $1 billion in productivity benefits during the year and CEO David Thodey said there was "further opportunity to improve operational efficiency".

Earlier in the year, the company announced plans to offshore 170 staff to India. In February, it said it would send 400 jobs to Asia for superior customer service and cut 700 jobs out of its Sensis division.

With input from AAP