BSkyB group HR director Craig McCoy has resigned just weeks after he
threatened job losses if staff voted for union recognition.
After an ongoing dispute with broadcasting union Bectu, McCoy sent a letter to
staff, telling them that the company would consider outsourcing its call centre
operation if a vote for recognition of the broadcasting union Bectu was
successful (News, 18 February).
McCoy told staff: "We are prepared to consider alternative business models,
including outsourcing, if we feel that our productivity and profitability are
threatened. I would urge you to think carefully before signing any paper which
puts job security at risk."
A source within BSkyB said the moves have led to staff joking that HR stands
for ‘humanoid robotics’, not human resources.
BSkyB corporate communications manager Robert Fraser told Personnel Today
that McCoy has resigned.
"He decided to leave and take a career break for personal
reasons," Fraser said.
McCoy had been group HR director at Sky for three years. A replacement will
be "announced in due course", Fraser said.
Sign up to our weekly round-up of HR news and guidance
Receive the Personnel Today Direct e-newsletter every Wednesday
Gerry Morrissey, supervisory official at Bectu, said the union has been
‘inundated’ with calls from Sky employees since McCoy’s letter.
"I think the letter was regrettable," he said. "It has
backfired on Sky."
