ID cards software ‘to blame for passport service job cuts’
Leo King writes in ComputerWorld UK:
The union representing passport service workers has slammed the planned roll out of automated passport and ID cards processing as it has lead to job cut plans at the Identity and Passport Service agency.
The Public and Commercial Services Union said human processes were being automated, and resources were being “diverted” from passport processing to the introduction of ID cards. The government plans to close a key passport office in Glasgow, and has offered passport staff a below-inflation 2.5 percent pay rise.
July 25th, 2008 at 20:04
Clearly with IPS permanent staff on the warpath, the government will eventually turn to IT (or other subcontracted personnel). While it is uncertain times for many, all IT (and freelance or temporary) contractors should consider their position and consider avoiding contracts with connections to the ID or other surveillance schemes.