Outsourcers focus on employee benefits
As a result of the backlash surrounding jobs reportedly lost due to
outsourcing, some companies are now giving greater focus on employee benefits.
Companies like UK banking giant Barclays and American firm Hallmark have
highlighted the issue of employee benefits in recent outsourcing deals
made.
Both companies stressed that positions [and the people holding them] will
be transferred to their respective service providers without loss of
benefits or change in salary grades.
Barclays announced a 400 million Euro deal with Accenture that involves IT
application and management and the transfer of the former's 900 UK
employees over a 12-month period.
Aside from individual consultation with the employees, Barclays also consulted with the UNIFI, Europe’s largest finance sector trade union. The company promsied that the transfer terms will maximise
employees’ career options and maintain their employee benefits.
Hallmark Cards Inc., meanwhile, has announced a $230 million deal with
Affiliated Computer Systems Inc. (ACS) that will involve data ceter
services like networking, desktop support, help desk, technical support
and operational services.
Hallmark also reiterated that no jobs will be sent offshore despite the
fact that ACS has operations in India. The company promised that all 145
employees who will be transferred to ACS will not see a pay or benefits
decrease and that their years of service will be transferred over.
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