Fujitsu to axe 1,200 British jobs

Fujitsu plans to axe 1,200 jobs in the UK because of lower than expected revenues, the Japanese giant announced today.

The firm, which employs 12,500 workers in this country, unveiled a rationalisation programme across its workforce, saying the cuts were being made "reluctantly".

The company said in a statement: "Action is necessary to ensure that the company remains competitive in the current difficult global economic climate and is in a solid position for future growth when the economy starts to recover.

"Fujitsu has a strong history of consultation with employees and is committed to working with elected representatives to consider ways of achieving the necessary reduction

Fujitsu said the jobs will go from its Services arm, which has an annual revenue of £2 billion employing staff on IT and outsourcing contracts for private firms, councils and the Government.

"To date the company has taken a number of prudent measures to keep its cost base down and avoid job losses, including a company-wide pay freeze, a reduction in the number of contractors and temporary workers, a re-training programme and tight control of recruitment.

"In addition, strict controls have been applied to operational and capital expenditure," said the company.

The proposed job cuts are expected to be completed by the end of the year following a statutory 90-day consultation with employees.

Fujitsu said affected employees will be offered guidance and support.

The firm's top four largest UK sites are in London (350 employees), Manchester (750), Bracknell (1,240) and Stevenage (670).