MP’s plea for jobs as fears grow of India switch

Barnsley Central MP Dan Jarvis has written to Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan-Smith after it emerged Government contracted Hewlett Packard was considering moving 200 information technology (IT) support jobs to Bangalore from sites in Sheffield, Newcastle and Lytham St Annes in Lancashire.

The Public and Commercial Services union has said the deal is practically done and claims its members are not only faced with losing their jobs, but will face the ignominy of having to train a delegation of staff from Bangalore this summer ahead of the proposed move next year.

The union says plans are at an advanced stage, with training taking place this summer and some jobs moving as early as November.

General secretary Mark Serwotka said: “The Government must not allow low-paid jobs to be offshored.

“It will be a disaster for UK workers and the tax payer and will only ensure that Hewlett Packard’s shareholders reap the benefits.”

In his letter Mr Jarvis challenges the Secretary of State to provide assurances that the move will not be going ahead.

“This news is of particular concern at a time when unemployment levels are still worryingly high, especially in areas such as South Yorkshire, and graduates are continuing to face a lack of opportunity when they leave university,” he said.

“I’m working very hard to ensure that Barnsley builds aspiration for young people, and South Yorkshire attracts new business and jobs.

“At a time like this, it is clear that the Government should be doing all it can to protect jobs, and to build on opportunity, not outsource them abroad.”

A Government spokesman said that any plans by Hewlett Packard to move Departmental work offshore would have to be agreed by Ministers.