While job losses are not new in the recession era, the speed at which Hewlett Packard has been laying off employees in the past two years has raised many questions.
Over 4,000 people have lost their jobs at Hewlett Packard in the past two years, another 900 to go this year and another 1000 are expected to be laid off by the end of the financial year. This move has triggered many angry reactions and rightly so.
The workers union Unite has condemned the recent announcement of 934 jobs lost last week. What is fuelling the anger is the fact that HP has not disturbed the status of the contractors and temporary workers.
Though the HP spokesperson is clear that the decision was taken in the Hewlett Packard European Works Council in November 2009, the workforce is not convinced. Also, Unite has strongly warned Hewlett Packard that due to reduced workforce the employees will be over burdened resulting in stressful work conditions and stressed out workers.
Peter Skyte, Unite national officer for IT and communications has commented that the move is in complete contrast of the government’s opinion that the private sector may bring a boost during recession. It is a matter of concern that temporary workers and contractors are being preferred over the local talent. This can be demeaning not only to the workers but also the society as whole.
What is of utmost concern though is the mental wellbeing of the existing workforce. Faced with the challenges of additional work, confused about job security, worried about leading regular lives and constantly looking for reassurance, the whole scene is perfect as a recipe for mental disaster. This is what Unite is fighting to avoid and clearly disturbed at the turn of events.
The human mind is a fragile machine that needs to be handled delicately. Any harsh moves and the whole organisation becomes a bunch of insecure employees with no specific goal to pursue.
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