Laura Sharman 08 May 2014

Public lack trust in outsourcing firms finds survey

Nearly 80% of the public think outsourcing company Serco should be banned from bidding on public service contracts, according to a new poll by campaign group We Own It.

The survey also showed the public have the least trust in outsourcing companies such as Atos and G4S compared with other organisations, with 64% distrusting them.

The campaign group has ordered sick bags to protest outside Serco’s AGM this morning, saying it should not be cleared for government work while under criminal investigation for defrauding the taxpayer.

Cat Hobbs, director of We Own It, said: ‘People are feeling more than a little sick of Serco - too big to fail, too sprawling to deliver but too profit-hungry to serve us properly. Politicians are colluding with corruption. We want to see them commit to giving public service users a real say, before our sick bags overflow.’

The group is calling for a Public Service Users Bill to allow people to have a greater say over outsourcing and privatisation.

A Serco spokesperson said: 'Following the issues last year, we are implementing a comprehensive corporate renewal programme delivering organisational change across our business.

'We are committed to the delivery of excellent services and believe the changes we are implementing will help to restore the confidence of our customers and the public, on which our company relies.'

LocalGov Weekly Round Up image

LocalGov Weekly Round Up

A pivotal week for councils sees fresh devolution plans, new service pilots and key legal and political battles, writes LocalGov editor William Eichler.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Homelessness Prevention and Solutions Officer

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£38,976 to £47,229 per annum
Job Title
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Quality & Practice Standards Auditor

Middlesbrough Council
£41,771 - £44,075
We have an exciting role on offer within our Adult Social Care and Health Service as a Quality & Practice Standards Auditor. Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: Middlesbrough Council

Shovel Driver/Plant Operative - Chelmsford

Essex County Council
Up to £28033.00 per annum
Shovel Driver/Plant Operative - ChelmsfordPermanent, Full Time£28,033 per annum Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Culture Marketing Officer

Middlesbrough Council
£28,598 - £30,024
We have an exciting role on offer within our Culture services as a Culture Marketing Officer. Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: Middlesbrough Council

Short Breaks Worker (Casual)

Wakefield Council
£16.62 - £17.85 per hour, Grade 7, Casual
We would love to appoint suitably skilled, motivated, and caring people, to work with our children and young people Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council
Linkedin Banner