Birmingham City Council’s joint venture with Capita has come under fire from trade unions, after reports that the partnership was planning to outsource some of its jobs to India.
Officials from the trade union, Unite, met with council officials last week after it was revealed that up to 100 jobs could be outsourced by the end of the year. ‘This is a major betrayal of the people of Birmingham and the loyal staff who serve this city,’ said Unite’s national officer, Peter Allenson.
A spokesman for Service Birmingham said only a limited number of back-office technical roles would be affected. ‘It is important to emphasise this is a small element of the work we do for the council and we remain committed to our Birmingham workforce,’ said the spokesman.
Capita has bought the Surrey-based healthcare recruitment firm, Team24, for £24m.
The company employs 80 staff, with around 4,000 nurses and doctors registered for a wide range of placements across the NHS and the private sector.
‘This acquisition will allow Capita to provide services to this growing market, and complements a number of other services we offer to the public and private healthcare sectors,’ said chief executive, Paul Pindar.
