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.'

Devolution and putting place first image

Devolution and putting place first

The real lesson of Andy Burnham's Makerfield success, argues Dr Jonathan Carr-West, is that place – not personality – is the key to Britain's future.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Group Engineer - Highway Operations

Kirklees Metropolitan Council
£48,226 - £53,460
We are looking for a Group Engineer to join our team in the Highways Service Kirklees, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Kirklees Metropolitan Council

Learning and Development Digital Advisor

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£32,841 - £39,798 per annum
Job Title
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

School Crossing Patrol

Durham County Council
Grade 1 £3,701 (approx.) £12.85 per hour
Join our School Crossing Patrol Service! Are you punctual and reliable? Do you have good communication skills and a strong sense of community spirit? Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 9 - £35,412 - £39,152 / Grade 11 - £40,777 - £45,091 (pay award pending)
Make a real difference at the point where people need it most. Join a fast-paced hospital social work team where no two days are the same and your exp Chester Le Street
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Care Support

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £25,583 - £26,824 (pay award pending)
We're recruiting to a permanent role within our Pathways Service, which delivers day services to adults with complex needs, Monday to Friday. This is Peterlee
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner