Struggling outsourcing giant Capita is in talks to take over British Airways’ call centres in Newcastle and Manchester as the airline tries to slash more costs.
The possible deal risks more controversy for the IAG-owned airline, which was brought to its knees last week by an IT meltdown that left 75,000 passengers stranded.
The debacle led to accusations that cost-cutting was to blame. BA denied that trimming the budget or outsourcing of IT services was behind the crash — which it said was caused by a power surge. However, it has been unable to explain why a back-up power system also failed.
The two BA call centres employ about 1,400 staff. The Unite trade union is opposed to the plan, calling it a “crude cost-cutting exercise”, and fears jobs could go overseas.
Capita has also endured a torrid spell in recent months, with repeated profit warnings forcing out chief executive Andy Parker.