Nokia axes 450 jobs

Nokia is axing up to 450 jobs across sales and marketing as part of a reorganisation of the company. The move comes after the handset maker reported a 5% decline in third quarter sales across Europe last month.

Nokia says the decision to reduce its Markets unit, which oversees its supply chain, sales and marketing, aims to strength its customer service, ensure resources are allocated appropriately and “de-layer” the organisations. It will come into effect on January 1.

The company says: “Nokia estimates that approximately 450 employees, maximum 100 in Finland, in the Markets unit will be affected by the planned changes.”

The handset maker also plans to cut 130 jobs in its research devision, Nokia Research Centre, and will close its Turku site in Finland and relocate it to another area.

In October, Nokia reported its net sales for the quarter ended September 30 had fallen to €12.2bn (£9.53bn), from €12.9bn a year earlier. The company admits it has started to feel the pinch from slowing markets in Europe and the US, but says it is experiencing high demand from emerging markets in Asia and Africa.

Nokia senior vice president of human resources, Juha Akras, says: “Today’s changes are part of Nokia’s constant renewal where it is important to be close to our customers and ensure people are able to focus on key business priorities. Our aim is to find alternative work within Nokia for as many employees as possible.”