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.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Schools - Teaching

Durham County Council
£33,483 - £43,607
Class Teacher  M2 to M6  £33,483 - £43,607 Full Time, Whole Time Temporary – required from Tuesday 2nd September 2025 until August 2026 Governors of Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

KS2 Teacher

Durham County Council
£33,483 - £49,084
KS2 Teacher with TLR3  Supporting School Improvement in Assessment & Quality Intervention MPS2-UPR3 + TLR3  £33,483 - £49,084 + £2,000 Permanent Full Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Systems Implementation Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 9 £34,314 - £37,938
We are looking for an individual to be involved in a major and exciting project to implement a new computer system within Children’s Services.   The Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lunchtime Supervisory Assistant

Durham County Council
£24,027 pro rata
Lunchtime Supervisory Assistant Grade 1 £24,027 pro rata 7.5 hours per week, Term Time Only Permanent Required from 3rd June 2025 or as soon as possib Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Senior Housing Officer

Durham County Council
£34,314 to £37,938 p.a. Grade 9
Housing Access and Independent Living Services are looking to recruit a Senior Housing Officer (Allocations and Tenancy).   WHAT IS INVOLVED?  You wil Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner