Fujitsu has revealed that it plans to slash 1,800 jobs in the UK as it looks to become more competitive against foreign competitors that are able to offer cheaper IT services.
A spokesperson added that the company needs to reduce the cost base for its customers.
The job cuts could affect staff in Fujitsu's London, Belfast, Bracknell, Crewe, Derry, Manchester, Stevenage, Wakefield and Warrington offices, although the company hasn't revealed which departments the cuts will affect.
“Fujitsu is planning a transformation programme that will enable it to better support customers in the era of digital transformation. The company today advised its employee representative forum of plans to restructure the organisation in order to provide better service and respond more quickly to customer needs," the company said in a statement.
“As part of the programme, Fujitsu plans to streamline operations in order to remain competitive in the market. Proposed measures include changes which would result in a reduction of up to 1,800 jobs in the UK. All affected employees will be offered guidance and support and Fujitsu is establishing a consultation process with elected employee representatives.”
It's thought that the redundancies will start to happen in 2017, although some select roles may continue until 2018, when they would be scrapped.
The news comes as Fujitsu revealed it's looking at selling its computer business to Lenovo, although the company said its recent decisions are in no way related to the UK's departure from the EU.
It will also terminate its UK works council, Fujitsu Voice, which Ian Tonks, a Unite national officer, said was bad news for the UK economy.
