Sky to Cut 600 Jobs as Focus Shifts to Streaming Over Satellite
Sky is planning to cut around 600 jobs in the UK as it continues its shift from satellite TV to internet-based services like Sky Glass and Sky Stream. The broadcaster, which employs about 23,000 people, launched a consultation covering 900 roles, with about 300 expected to be redeployed. The cuts will mainly affect teams in Leeds, London, and Livingston, and are part of a larger restructuring aimed at improving existing products rather than developing new ones.
This marks Sky's third round of job losses in under two years. The company has already removed thousands of roles, including engineers and call centre staff, as more customers choose plug-and-play streaming devices over traditional satellite dishes. A Sky spokesperson said the focus is now on delivering a “digital-first service, unbeatable content and even better performance from our products, powered by the best of global innovation.”
The move comes as Sky faces rising pressure from rivals like Netflix and Disney+, with HBO Max also set to launch in the UK next year—ending Sky’s exclusive access to HBO content. While Sky insists the changes aren’t about cutting costs or performance-related, the company has clearly been forced to recalibrate in a competitive market. Profits for 2024 stood at £256 million, but parent company Comcast is still under pressure after a major write-down on its £31bn acquisition of Sky.
