South Wales Evening Post - 5 April 2006
Troubled Swansea Council staff who want advice on computer problems have to contact a helpdesk 500 miles away, it has emerged. Following an £83 million deal to hand over Swansea Council's IT provision to private firm Capgemini, staff at the council are now having to call up computer experts in Inverness.
Plaid Cymru councillor Darren Price has questioned the decision to move the IT helpdesk away from Swansea.
"I was shocked to find Capgemini, deliverers of the Service@Swansea scheme, had moved the helpdesk to the north east of Scotland," he said.
"Capgemini has, on a number of occasions, stated it is committed to Swansea, but I find moving an IT helpdesk hundreds of miles away from the city anything but commitment."
The council has claimed the move will ensure better service and save money.
However, Councillor Price says local workers should have been considered.
He added: "By providing this service from Inverness they have rejected the people of Swansea. Surely the service could have been provided in Swansea, thus supporting local jobs? It is hugely disappointing that the administration has let these jobs migrate.
"I have now asked the cabinet member for top performance, Mary Jones, to provide us with details of staffing levels and costs associated with the move. Local workers deserve answers."
But Councillor Jones dismissed the criticism.
She said the Inverness-based helpdesk employed 264 people and would provide round-the-clock coverage.
"The new helpdesk service is an important step for the council and its staff," she said.
"Capgemini will now be providing 24-hour support, seven days a week, for members and staff."
