2e2 responds to staff claims

Integrator allays employee concerns and stresses potential outsourcing move is fuelled by customer demand

Grossman: customers are saying we need to show the flexibility and agility that they do not believe a purely UK organisation can have

Integrator 2e2 claims its potential outsourcing of support jobs has been driven by customer demand and stressed that it is handling the process with "as much care as possible".

Last week, 2e2 staff contacted ChannelWeb claiming departing employees have not been replaced over the last year as the outsourcing deal with Indian firm Patni came under consideration.

But business development director Nick Grossman pointed out 2e2 has recruited 96 people in the UK this year. "There is absolutely no correlation between looking into the offshoring initiative and restricting hires," he added.

He also responded to complaints about reported changes to sick leave, the implementation of a flat 1.5 per cent pay rise and the cessation of bonuses.

"We have been bringing HR practices into line with the industry norm," he said. "Every year there is an allocation for wage rises – that is handed down to line managers – high performers will get more."

Grossman claimed customers had given 2e2 little choice but to consider outsourcing.

"They are saying we need to show the flexibility and agility that they do not believe a purely UK organisation can have," he said. "Everybody potentially impacted by this is involved in one-on-one consultation to make them aware of the opportunities they have. I have huge sympathy and respect for the people that are going through this process – it is incredibly difficult and very uncertain."