Unite: HP cuts a "devastating blow" for UK tech industry

Trade union believes up to 1,600 jobs at risk in this country

The UK's largest trade union has threatened to take industrial action over the 1,600 UK jobs it believes are in danger of succumbing to HP's axe.

HP announced last night that it plans to cut its global headcount by eight per cent, or 27,000 jobs, by 2014. Although the depth of the cuts will vary by country, Unite believes up to eight per cent of HP's 20,000 workers in Bracknell, Bristol, Derby, Dublin, London, Manchester and Sheffield are under threat.

Unite, which has about 4,500 members working for HP, said it will work with the PCS union to use every means possible to protect those jobs.

Unite national officer for IT and communications, Kevin O'Gallagher, described the move as a "devastating blow to the technology industry in the UK".

"We hope to arrange meetings with the senior management, both in the UK and with the global business leaders, as soon as possible to set out our alternatives," he said.

"HP is still a highly profitable company which is, we believe, simply aiming to cut costs to increase both its market share and profits, while showing scant regard to its loyal and dedicated workforce."

PCS officer Peter Olech raised the spectre of strikes if the unions do not get their way.

"We are prepared to send an unequivocal message to HP that job cuts and compulsory redundancies will be resisted with every tool at our disposal, including industrial action if necessary," he said.