Impact of outsourcing

Employers and human resource (HR) specialists need to consider the impact of outsourcing and plan ahead so that employment relations is thought about at every level, the employment relations service Acas says.

The fragmentation of employment relations affects issues, such as job security, contractual terms and conditions, equality and job satisfaction.

Communications between employers and employees (“employee voice”) and unions can be affected, while the HR role itself can also end up being outsourced. This can lead to more “arms length” relationships with line managers and the workforce and less of a controlling influence for HR professionals.

Acas chief executive John Taylor said: “It’s vital that employers develop channels for employee voice, so that concerns can be aired early on to tackle potential conflict and consultation is particularly important where there are business transfers.”