Nokia announces "Voluntary Resignation Package"

Asks 1000 staff to quit

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24 February 2009 17:27 GMT / By Amy-Mae Elliott

Nokia has announced what it calls "new voluntary measures aimed at reducing personnel-related costs and lessening the need for involuntary redundancies".

The measures include a global "Voluntary Resignation Package" as well as wider use of short-term unpaid leaves and sabbaticals. Nokia says it will also encourage employees to take holiday as time off instead of taking cash compensation in 2009.

"The response from employees and employee representatives in proposing ideas to help reduce personnel-related costs has been encouraging", said Hallstein Moerk, Nokia's head of human resources.

"We have considered these and are now announcing voluntary initiatives that could contribute to our efforts to adjust our cost base to the current market environment. If successful, the voluntary initiatives will lessen the need for involuntary redundancies".

The global Voluntary Resignation Package is available for employees worldwide - with the exception of direct labour and senior executives - until 1000 employees have taken the option.