Consignia
is set to outsource its occupational health services in a £70 million deal with
health provider Schlumberger Sema.
The
proposed outsourcing agreement was announced today and would result in
SchlumbergerSema, a business division of Schlumberger Limited, supplying
occupational health services to Consignia’s 220,000 employees.
The
outsourcing of Consignia’s occupational health services and other parts of
Consignia’s support operation is part of a three-year renewal plan to try and
return Consignia to profitability.
The
company hopes the move will improve support services, which are not core to the
postal network and will save the company £60 million a year.
Under
the proposed five year, £70 million contract, SchlumbergerSema will provide a
full range of employee health services, such as pre-recruitment assessments,
ill-health referrals and medical retirement assessments. It will also provide
preventative services including health promotions and training.
Around
240 people, mostly healthcare professionals, currently employed by Consignia,
will transfer to SchlumbergerSema on existing terms and conditions under TUPE
(Transfer of Undertaking Protection of Employment) regulations.
Malcolm
Kitchener Consignia’s services group managing director business services, said:
"SchlumbergerSema will be making a £5m investment in upgrading our
occupational health systems which will benefit everyone working for us.
"The
agreement will also bring fresh opportunities to those of our people who
transfer to SchlumbergerSema. They will gain wider experience and be able to
use their specialist expertise and skills with other clients as well as
Consignia."
Simon
Chipperfield, managing director medical services at SchlumbergerSema,
commented: "This is an important development, strengthening our position
in the health sector and as a leading name in business process
outsourcing."
"Drawing
on the experience we have gained with our existing occupational health
customers we aim to provide the highest quality service to all Consignia
employees."
