- Conference
- 2006 National Delegate Conference
- Date
- 8 February 2006
- Decision
- Carried
Conference notes that the private companies’ policy of offshoring “back office” functions to developing nations is spreading to the public sector. Already public sector bodies are considering offshoring in response to the demands of efficiency reviews and the pressure to modernise service delivery. Conference does not accept that offshoring aspects of public service functions will automatically improve service delivery.
Conference therefore welcomes the Union Network International’s (UNI) Offshoring Charter which properly balances the need to protect the interests of all workers in both the countries practising offshoring and those receiving the contracts to avoid a race to the bottom in a drive to maximise profit.
Conference also welcomes the publication of the Offshoring Report prepared by the Labour Research Department for UNISON. The report highlights the social consequences of offshoring and the need for better protection of workers adversely affected by the process.
Conference calls on the National Executive Council to campaign to ensure that government undertakes a full and thorough assessment of the impact of offshoring on the UK economy and puts in place measures to deal with the social consequences of offshoring, for example retraining grants and opportunities, relocation assistance and so on.
Conference further calls on the National Executive Council to work with service groups, branches and regions facing offshoring, to develop strategies, including industrial action where necessary, to protect the interests of members.
Finally Conference instructs the National Executive Council, working through our international affiliations to PSI, UNI and the ITF, to develop links with appropriate unions representing workers delivering services to United Kingdom employers through offshored contracts.