Parcel pusher DHL is considering offshoring the last remnants of its IT department. In September 2003 the Deutsche Post subsidiary announced it was moving its data centre to Prague in the Czech Republic, but reassured staff that it would retain an IT presence in Britain and Basel, Switzerland. Both centres are now at risk, with up to 160 jobs at stake.

According to an internal memo from Stephen McGuckin, global chief information officer at DHL, all remaining IT jobs in the UK and Switzerland are under threat. The jobs would be moved to DHL's 9,000 square metre data centre in Prague.

Staff hit by the review include CIO office staff, programme management, emerging markets and Europe IS, software development and logistics. Support staff for the IT department such as procurement are also likely to be offshored.

The memo stresses that no final decision has been made. The company is setting up a consultation process for staff and will start the process to elect staff representatives.

A spokeswoman for DHL said: "This process has only just begun, it will be at least three months until a final decision is made." ®

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