Restructuring events
European Restructuring Monitor (ERM)
The restructuring events database contains factsheets with data on large-scale restructuring events reported in the principal national media and company websites in each EU Member State. This database was created in 2002.
On 12 January 2010, computer manufacturer Hewlett-Packard announced the loss of about 324 jobs by the end of 2010. It is not clear whether the job cuts will affect the company headquarters in Diegem or will be spread across different locations. The company has blamed the job cuts on the global economic slowdown. "Last year, HP Belgium reported a turnover decrease of 19% because of the crisis ", explained Anneleen Holleweg, the company's spokeswoman.
The jobs will be probably offshored to Poland. The restructuring will involve the relocation of 420 workers from the HP Service Desk in Malines to HP CDS (Customer Delivery Services) located in Vilvorde.
Consultations with the trade unions have started and will continue for several months. Discussions about what type of activities and functions affected by the restructuring still have to take place.
Update 2010-09-16:
The economic recovery allow HP to save 124 jobs. Finally, the company will proceed to 200 jobs cuts in place of 324, till the end of 2010.
Eurofound (2010), Hewlett-Packard, Internal restructuring in Belgium, factsheet number 70132, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://apps.eurofound.europa.eu/restructuring-events/detail/70132.