Boots to cut IT staff as jobs move overseas

Up to 60 jobs could go at Boots after the firm confirmed it is looking to move its IT help desk overseas.

The Nottingham firm says the move will “help reduce decision-making time and complexity, as well as improve efficiency”.

A spokesperson for Boots said: “Boots has today informed colleagues in the IT function of its intention to restructure parts of IT service desk.

“This transformation will consolidate our service desk activities which will help reduce decision-making time and complexity, as well as improve efficiency.

“These changes include creating one service desk and a new Service Operations team and will create 18 full-time roles into Boots IT. These roles will ensure local, dedicated support services for Boots IT and our stores.

“Today, we are also announcing a renewed, five-year contract with our strategic partner NCR which will include service desk, field services, Belgrade support services and onsite desktop support.

“The transition of the service desk to NCR will have an impact on some Boots colleagues within the Boots IT function, who will transfer under TUPE to NCR.

“The roles currently performed by the affected Boots employees in the UK will not be carried out by NCR in the UK.

“This means the employment of the transferring employees will be at risk of redundancy, and a consultation process with affected colleagues will begin immediately.”

The news comes after the firm said in May it is looking to close 200 of its stores.