London -- Vodafone Tuesday said it would cut 500 jobs in Britain as a part of an ongoing plan to save about $1.5 billion in operating costs.

Vodafone, the world's largest mobile phone producer, currently has 10,000 employees in Britain, The Daily Telegraph said. A month ago, Chief Executive Officer Vittorio Colao said the company's cost-cutting strategy would include "some impact on headcount."

Telecommunications analysts have said the cellphone business would hold its own during the recession, but recent figures point to fewer calls being made and customers delaying upgrades to newer phones, the newspaper said.

Vodafone's European revenues fell 2.8 percent in the most recent quarter, the company said.

Steve Thomas of the union Connect said the labor group would work with Vodafone "to ensure that our members are treated with respect during this difficult time and that a full and proper process of consultation is carried out."