CWU shocked at HCL job losses in N Ireland
14th February 2012
Communication Workers Union responds with shock and sadness at
today's announcement by call centre group HCL that it is
closing its Armagh site and cutting 255 jobs in Northern Ireland.
The outsourcing company has another site in Belfast which is also
expected to suffer job losses.
CWU deputy general secretary Andy Kerr
said: "This is devastating news for HCL staff and their
families in Northern Ireland. Armagh is a small community and the
closure of this call centre will be a big hit for the local
economy. Unemployment is rising and finding alternative work will
be a major challenge for these workers.
"We want HCL to show responsibility towards its employees
and do everything possible to find alternative work for these call
centre staff in Northern Ireland. As an outsource company we would
expect it to be actively searching for new contracts to keep people
in work locally.
"We will be doing everything possible to help our members
through this very difficult time and urge HCL to take a voluntary
approach to initial redundancy procedures."
CWU has members in both the Armagh and Belfast centres. HCL was criticised by politicians in 2006 for de-recognising the CWU.
If you are interested in joining the CWU please contact Freephone 0800 731 7434 or e-mail joinunion@cwu.org for more information.
