Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 May 2012
197 Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the position regarding a company (details supplied) moving more than 300 jobs from Dundalk and Dublin to Northern Ireland, following on from the moving of 140 jobs last year to India and Egypt; and the contact he has had with the company in relation to said job losses. [22964/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra202 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will make public the results of the consultation process conducted by a company (details supplied) in relation to the customer care jobs in its Republic of Ireland operations; if he will seek assurances from the company that these jobs will not be exported to Northern Ireland; if the company will guarantee the security of their remaining workforce in the Republic of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22903/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 197 and 202 together.
Vodafone Ireland announced on 22 March that it had completed a review of the company's contracted mobile call-centre operations. As a result of this review, the company adopted a new model for its mobile customer care, resulting in a move to a new provider, Teleperformance.
Vodafone Ireland and Rigney Dolphin have entered a six-week consultation process with employee representatives. With effect from 8 May, 27 Vodafone roles and 290 Rigney Dolphin contract roles will transfer to Teleperformance. The consultation process is a matter for the parties involved. Rigney Dolphin will remain a provider to Vodafone for other purposes.
I have been assured by Vodafone Ireland that the transfer of service will observe the Transfer of Undertakings — Protection of Employees (European Communities (Protection of Employees on Transfer of Undertakings) Regulations 2003) Regulations.
I recently met with Vodafone Ireland and the company has confirmed that it is likely that work will move to the Teleperformance site in Newry. I also met representatives of the workers, their Union and local public representatives. I understand this transfer process will be a matter for Teleperformance, although Vodafone will continue to participate in the consultation period. I understand that Vodafone has agreed with Teleperformance that in the event of a move to Newry, all affected Vodafone and Rigney Dolphin employees will have the option to transfer to Newry when their role relocates. Teleperformance have guaranteed that terms and conditions will carry forward to Newry for those who choose to move, and alternatives for those who choose not to transfer will be discussed through the consultation process. While the situation that has arisen on this occasion is regrettable, it is nevertheless reflective of the competitive forces that affect the sector concerned.
In my meeting with Vodafone, the company made it clear that this decision has been taken for commercial reasons and they are not in a position to reverse it. The company have indicated that the work which they have on fixed line customer service is not under review and is performing well.
