Serco takes on authority call centre

Serco was declared preferred bidder over Hull telecoms group KC, which had held the contract since 1999, earlier this year – a decision described at the time as “unbelievable” by KC chief executive Kevin Walsh.

The firm says it will open a new contact centre to answer phone inquries about council tax and other benefits, theatre bookings, school admissions and other general inquiries.

Hull Council says the three-year contract starting in January will save it more than £1m.

More than 70 employees will transfer to Serco under the same terms and conditions.

Jonathan Prew, managing director of Serco Global Services’s public sector divison, said: “We are fully committed to working in partnership with the council ensuring the service continues to be delivered by local people from the city and its communities.

“We will open a new contact centre in the city centre as part of our commitment to the council and staff, and we aim to expand our services over the life of the contract.”