Sky is planning significant job cuts in the United Kingdom as the Comcast-owned broadcaster shifts its focus towards enhancing current services following a series of recent product launches aimed at competing with major streaming platforms from the United States.
According to sources familiar with the situation, this reorganisation will impact approximately 900 positions, with around 600 jobs expected to be eliminated from the company’s UK operations based in west London. The remaining roles may be redeployed within Sky, although the final numbers will depend on the ongoing consultation process that begins this week.
On Tuesday, employees at risk of redundancy were informed. Many of the anticipated cuts are expected to occur within the broadcaster’s technology-focused teams.
Currently, Sky employs roughly 23,000 staff members in the UK. This reduction follows previous job cuts, with approximately 3,000 roles eliminated since 2023, as part of a transition from delivering TV services via satellite to offering access through broadband.
Under Comcast’s stewardship, Sky has broadened its product and service offerings, which include the launch of Sky Glass, a smart TV, and Sky Stream, a new streaming set-top box. These innovations now account for more than 90% of new television subscriptions.
An insider mentioned that the phase of product development has concluded, and Sky’s priorities have shifted to “enhancing what we already offer.”
In a statement, Sky noted, “As we look to the future, we are changing our strategy to provide customers with the next generation of experiences by investing in digital-first services, outstanding content, and improved performance from our products.”
To compete effectively with major US streaming services, Sky is expected to ramp up its investment in original content, utilising its newly established Sky Studios complex in Elstree.
Additionally, Sky will lose exclusive broadcasting rights to popular HBO shows, such as The White Lotus and Game of Thrones, at the end of this year. However, the company has secured a long-term agreement to showcase HBO content by including Warner Bros Discovery’s HBO Max streaming service.
