Restructuring events
European Restructuring Monitor (ERM)
The restructuring events database contains factsheets with data on large-scale restructuring events reported in the principal national media and company websites in each EU Member State. This database was created in 2002.
O2 Telefónica Deutschland, the German subsidiary of the Spanish Telefónica Group operating in the telecommunications sector, has announced that more than 1,000 positions are expected to be eliminated, although no definitive completion date has yet been provided.
The restructuring follows the loss of its largest customer, 1&1, and forms part of a broader transformation programme aimed at safeguarding the company's long-term competitiveness. It also reflects wider pressures within the telecommunications industry, where growth opportunities in the mobile market are limited, competition remains intense, and the returns on network investments have become increasingly difficult to realise.
The workforce reductions are expected to be achieved primarily through voluntary departures and severance arrangements rather than compulsory redundancies. Management stated that it is currently discussing and assessing potential measures together with employee representatives.
The company employs approximately 6,820 people.
Updated, 22/07/2026 O2 Telefónica Deutschland has announced that the number of positions to be cut will amount to up to 1,100. The company has now also provided a timetable for the workforce reduction, which is due to be completed by the end of 2026 and includes the closure of 60 stores.
The reduction will be achieved through voluntary departures and severance packages. A second round of job cuts is expected next year.
Updated, 18/08/2026 According to information obtained by Handelsblatt, O2 Telefónica Germany is planning to cut up to 1,650 jobs by 2028. This represents a 50% increase on the 1,100 redundancies previously announced for implementation by the end of 2026. The company stated that the measures are intended to safeguard its competitiveness.
Eurofound (2026), O2 Telefónica Germany, Internal restructuring in Germany, factsheet number 300732, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://apps.eurofound.europa.eu/restructuring-events/detail/300732.
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