Computercenter squashes job cuts rumour

Corporate reseller Computacenter has scotched industry speculation last week about major headcount reductions.

The company did confirm to vnunet.com's sister publication Computer Reseller News (CRN) that it has been reviewing its UK operations to ensure that staff are "effectively deployed".

But Tim Way, Computacenter's director of human resources and customer satisfaction, told CRN that the reseller had no plans for "substantial reductions in force".

Channel speculation was fuelled after several sources claimed to have been informed about a cut in sales staff at the firm's City office.

But Computacenter was quick to quash the suggestion. Way said: "We strive to look after our staff. The suggestion that we would do anything to unsettle large numbers of employees, including sending out a blanket email on such a sensitive subject, is both unfounded and malicious.

"Following an extensive review of our operations, out of a total headcount of 4,500 people we have identified a total of 94 across the UK operation who we now consider could be more effectively deployed.

"We have communicated with all staff who may be affected by the need to redeploy them from their current roles and are confident that a substantial number will be offered alternative positioning within the company."

At the time of going to press the company was in statutory consultation with employees and therefore could not shed further light on the nature of the redeployment.

Brian Burke, manager of Dun & Bradstreet Computanet, said: "Given the current environment and the performance of the channel over the last 12 to 18 months, it is logical that any organisation will evaluate its business integrity and look to make the necessary changes.

"Given the climate they are operating in, Computacenter has always been ahead of the game and there is no reason to expect any less than that of the company now. If they have to make changes to meet needs going forward in 2002, they will."