Hundreds of call centre jobs under threat

Hundreds of jobs are under threat at a Xerox call centre in north-west Dublin after a company review of its Irish operations, it emerged today.

Xerox chiefs are said to be in talks with the affected 900 staff at the centre in Ballycoolin, whose jobs will be shed through a combination of natural wastage, redeployment and redundancies.

The positions will be outsourced to a division of IBM, a Xerox business partner, over the next 18 months from September.

A Xerox spokesman said: “Following the conclusion of Xerox’s business review regarding its shared services activities in Ballycoolin, Ireland and the announcement of the decision to partner with IBM, Xerox has entered into an information and consultation phase with the 900 employees concerned.

“IBM will continue to work closely with Xerox over coming months on integration, and will continue to consult with personnel during this phase.

“We believe that changes will be effected through, for example, attrition, redeployment, and, if necessary, redundancy.

“Upon transfer, IBM will work closely with affected employees to assist in identifying future opportunities,” he said.

Xerox’s Irish business is based in Ballycoolin and Dundalk and it is expected around 800 staff will remain with the company divided between the two locations.

“Xerox and IBM have worked hard to reach the best solution for both customers and employees,” a spokesman added.

“IBM is a global company with expertise worldwide and has a commitment to use that expertise in providing the level of support that meets Xerox’s long term requirements.”