IBM offers voluntary redundo - two days into 'consultation'

Well, you don't hang about do you

By John Oates, 26th February 2010

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IBM is offering staff voluntary redundancy just two days into the consultation period.

The discussion period began 23 February and IBM yesterday announced a "voluntary separation programme".

The offer is to UK staff at IBM's Global Services Delivery. They have until 8 March to express interest in leaving Big Blue. Managers will then notify staff of their decision and make them an offer by 16 March, and staff must make a final decision by 30 March.

A source told The Register they were surprised at how quickly the process was moving, but assumed there was significant pressure to get everything done in time for the end of the financial quarter.

The source said the last time Big Blue went through major redundancies there was a certain amount of spare capacity due to people transferring across to IBM as part of transfer agreements and outsourcing deals. This time cuts will hit muscle, not just fat.

A spokeswoman for IBM said it was inappropriate to comment during consultation.

Staff have elected an employee council as part of the consultation process. ®

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