Union Unite has condemned
Fujitsu's plans to close its final-salary pension scheme.
Fujitsu has begun writing to 4,000 employees to inform them that
it proposes to close the scheme, and is starting a 90-day
consultation process.
The IT services company has already stopped bonus payments in
2008, and implemented a pay freeze in 2009. The union says it made
£177m profit in the last financial year and should not need to cut
employee benefits.
Peter Skyte,
Unite national officer, said: "Fujitsu Services is a highly
profitable company and made £177m profit in the last financial
year.
"The company has yet to produce any proper justification for
this latest attempt to raise profits by cutting pension benefits,
and this action may hinder future bids for blue chip private sector
outsourcing contracts.
"We will be mounting a robust campaign to persuade the company
to think again."
A spokesman for Fujitsu said, "I can confirm that Fujitsu
Services is entering into consultation about the proposals close to
future accrual the final salary pension plan. Whilst this action is
regretted it is a prudent step to enable us to manage the pension
risk. Consultation will begin on 15 May 2009 with the pension
members committee and with Unite."