Unite expresses surprise at Barclaycard’s outsourcing plans
9 June 2010
Unite has today (Wednesday 9th June) had confirmation that
Barclaycard is to enter into negotiations about the outsourcing of
700 roles from its Teesside operation.
Unite is surprised to learn that this successful and profitable
business is to be outsourced to Firstsource. The union believes
that Barclaycard customers will be best served through keeping this
business in-house.
Rob MacGregor, Unite national officer, said: “The decision by
Barclaycard to enter into negotiations about the transfer of 700
staff is very surprising and in our view unnecessary. Barclaycard
is a profitable operation and questions need to be answered by the
company as to why this step is being taken.
“Unite has major concerns that this move is a first step on the
way to the offshoring of these roles which would have a devastating
effect on the job market in the North East. It appears that
the long term plan is to transfer the work done by Barclaycard
staff in Teesside abroad. It is vital that these 700 jobs remain in
the region.
“This news is a blow for the North East and comes just one day
after the devastating news about job losses at another large
employer in the region, Northern Rock.
“Unite will engage with Barclaycard in consultation and will
thoroughly challenge the business case for this transfer. The union
will also be looking to ensure that all employment benefits of
Barclay’s staff are protected should any transfer happen.
ENDS
For more information please contact Saba Mozakka, Unite press
office on: 07768 693 953.
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