HP to cut 934 jobs in UK

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HP is set to axe almost 1,000 jobs from its UK arm in what the company has called an “ongoing consultation process.”

The company will cut 934 jobs from its 16,500 strong workforce and may cut a further 1,000 over the next year, according to the Unite Union.

These latest job losses are in addition to 4,000 that have already been cut in the past two years since HP took over EDS.

Peter Skyte, Unite national officer for IT and communications, said: “This will create further insecurity and uncertainty in HP with the threat of yet more redundancies to come, and undermines the coalition government view that the private sector will fuel job growth out of the economic recession.”

He also warned of “serious implications” for those who remain in their jobs.

“Skeleton levels of staff will lead to stressed out workers who struggle to complete an ever increasing workload,” added Skyte. “The fact that the company still retains nearly 2,000 temporary staff and contractors merely adds insult to injury.”

However, HP has claimed the cuts are for the overall good of the company.

A spokesperson said: “HP is in consultation with the appropriate representative bodies within the UK regarding potential workforce changes that were first discussed with the HP European Works Council in November 2009 and have been part of an ongoing consultation process since then.”

“The changes HP is proposing are part of the company’s ongoing review of its business that will ensure HP continues to grow in a globally competitive marketplace and deliver world class products and services to its customers.”

HP should be wary, however, as previous job cuts have led to protests and strike action from its staff.

Unite has claimed the cuts are likely to affect HP offices in Bracknell, Bristol, Hook, Erskine, Milton Keynes, London and Warrington.

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