Unite surprise at Barclaycard outsourcing news

9 June 2010

Unite has today had confirmation that Barclaycard is to enter into negotiations about the outsourcing of 700 roles from their 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 bank 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 benefits of Barclays employment are protected should any transfer happen.