Unions have called for urgent talks with high tech supplier HP in a bid to try and safeguard up to 1,600 jobs under threat at its UK operations.
HP has confirmed plans to cut 8%, or the equivalent of 27,000 jobs, across the globe by the end of 2014.
But Unite, which has about 4,500 members working for the company, has pledged to work with fraternal body, the Public and Commercial Services Union, to use "every means possible" to protect the jobs in question.
Kevin O’Gallagher, Unite’s national officer for IT and communications, said the move was a "devastating blow" to the UK’s technology industry, which it was crucial to develop in order to create future jobs and growth.
As a result, he added: "We will be working with PCS to use every means possible to protect these vital and high-skilled jobs. 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."
HP was still a very profitable company, which was "simply aiming to cut costs to increase both its market share and profits, while showing scant regard to its loyal and dedicated workforce,” he added.
PCS officer Peter Olech added: “This latest news from HP gives the clearest sign that workers need to be organised in trade unions to resist such attacks on jobs and conditions. 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.”
