I think it can be a positive thing for Symbian. It would delay the Core Changes to Symbian^4, or what was going to be Symbian^4, I doubt it could be incorporated into Symbian^3
But if the UI enhancements can be incorporated with Qt, then let's do it.
The Core of Symbian is pretty feature-packed as-is, I'm not sure what Symbian^4 was going to offer besides a new UI and a compatibility break, that couldn't be implemented in gradual minor builds as opposed to a major build change.
Oh well, the real High-End hope was always Maemo/MeeGo. And Ovi I suppose, it would be nice to have a better Services Platform for their Hardware.
On the Employee Cuts, I suppose it could be just trimming the fat. Without knowing how many employees were employed in the divisions that experienced a cut, can't really say how hard that would affect their prospects.
Of course, let's hope the Top Management is truly interested in polishing Nokia's little gems instead of doing what a lot of NA companies do and go for the quick buck. Mergers, acquisitions, and crap that make them rich but provides the company as a whole no focus or ground-breaking products for consumers. Otherwise, it would make Finn's hesitance for a North American running Nokia valid.