The restructuring events database contains factsheets with data on large-scale restructuring events reported in the principal national media and company websites in each EU Member State. This database was created in 2002.
Administrative Services Office Administrative, Office Support And Other Business Support Activities Activities Of Call Centres 82.2 - Activities of call centres
400 jobs Number of planned job losses
Announcement Date
7 June 2012
Employment effect (start)
1 June 2012
Foreseen end date
31 July 2012
Description
RH+, an enterprise which is responsible for the operation of social security call centres, decided to dismiss 160 workers at its centre located in Castelo Branco. The restructuring was implemented through the non-renewal of employment contracts. The reductions are to be completed by the end of July 2012.
Social Security representatives informed that this decision depended solely on the private company (RH+). Yet, the Institute of Social Security also explained that they will develop a new model for their contact center and subsequently an international public tendering procedure was opened. One of the objectives is to reduce the administrative costs.
The trade unions have demanded the re-integration of the affected workers into the Institute of Social Security. Trade union representatives claim that a total of 370 jobs may be at risk.
UPDATE, 16/07/2012 - According to latest news reports, 400 workers of social security call centres will be dissmissed rather than 160. Most of them are long-term workers. A new social security call centre will opened on 16 July, under a new under the tutelage of another private entity. According to the latest news reports, the future company will recruit 50 of the former workers, specifically those who are not entitled to unemployment benefits.
Sources
27 June 2012: RTP Noticias
7 June 2012: RTP Noticias
Citation
Eurofound (2012), Social Security Call Center, Internal restructuring in Portugal, factsheet number 73784, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://restructuringeventsprod.azurewebsites.net/restructuring-events/detail/73784.
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