Firstsource Solutions to cut 63 more jobs in Northern Ireland
DERRY, NORTHERN IRELAND — Business process outsourcing (BPO) provider Firstsource Solutions announced another round of job cuts, affecting 63 employees in Northern Ireland.
Staff were reportedly informed on Wednesday through Microsoft Teams that the company plans to shed 50 jobs at its Derry base and an additional 13 jobs across the rest of the region.
Second major redundancy wave in a year
This announcement marks the second significant wave of redundancies at Firstsource Solutions in just over a year.
In May 2023, the Indian-owned company revealed plans to cut 500 jobs from its Northern Ireland workforce of 1,100, including 200 positions in Derry.
The company also employs a significant number of people at Olive Tree House in Belfast city center.
A spokesperson for Firstsource stated, “Staff impacted have been informed, and as a responsible employer, we are working closely to support them throughout this process. Firstsource remains committed to Derry.”
Concerns over impact on local economy and workers
However, local leaders and officials found the news discouraging. Anna Doherty, Chief Executive of the Derry Chamber of Commerce, described the redundancies as “very disappointing.”
“It is always sad. In terms of spending power on the high street, there is going to be a knock-on effect. Obviously, retailers are suffering right now with the cost of business being so hard and the high cost of energy. We will see an impact of that,” she added.
Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) Leader Colum Eastwood also expressed his disappointment, noting the support Firstsource has received from Invest NI over the years.
“If we are going to address the economic issues that have plagued our city for generations then we need to attract well-paid jobs and investment and I am determined to keep fighting to deliver that for Derry,” he said.
People Before Profit Councilor Shaun Harkin also described the job losses as “deeply concerning.”
He criticized Firstsource management’s lack of consultation, stating, “Yet again, we have the bombshell news of massive job losses within a major employer in Derry.
The lack of consultation from Firstsource bosses again shows their appalling attitude towards Derry workers. I have requested a meeting with Firstsource management to discuss options to keep the workers on in another capacity rather than laying them off.”
Pádraig Delargy, a Member of the Legislative Assembly from Foyle, Northern Ireland, also plans to meet with the call center’s management to mitigate the job losses.
Previous redundancies handled by ‘competitor’ firm
In the previous round of redundancies, Firstsource’s competitor, Results CX, negotiated the Derry job cuts. Three senior Firstsource staff members had left the firm prior to the announcement and joined Results CX.
The Derry jobs were subsequently transferred to Results CX, which offered workers an enhancement of 24% of base salary instead of the initial 10% offer.
The latest job cuts add to the ongoing challenges faced by the local economy, with leaders calling for more sustainable and well-paid job opportunities to support the community.
