- Written by Annie Green
- BBC business reporter
image source, Getty Images
Sky plans to cut around 1,000 jobs in the UK this year as the media group moves towards more internet-based services.
Since fewer people need to install parabolic antennas in their homes, it is thought that a significant number will become engineers.
Sky currently employs around 26,000 people in the UK.
The layoffs announced Tuesday represent about 4% of the company's workforce.
The increase in digital product offerings has made it possible for many customers to set up new services without assistance.
A Sky spokesperson said: “More customers are choosing Sky Glass and Sky Stream, which do not require specialist installation, which has led us to change the number of roles required to deliver the service. ” he said.
Affected employees will now enter a consultation period during which they can have their say on the proposals before a final decision is made.
Sky has changed its strategy since being acquired by US media giant Comcast in 2018 for more than £30bn.
The company is currently hiring across a range of its businesses, with plans to hire 2,000 people at its new film and television studio in Elstree, Hertfordshire.
Channel 4 on Monday announced plans to cut 200 jobs, or about 18% of its workforce, to focus on digital services.
Chief executive Alex Mahon said the “reality” of a “rapid downshift” in the economy and advertising had prompted the changes as it focused on digital services.
British broadcasters want digital revenue to rise from 27% of total revenue last year to more than 50% by 2030.
