HP To Cut Call Center Workforce

An HP spokeswoman confirmed reports from channel sources that the Palo Alto, Calif.-based IT giant plans to restructure its call center operations. She said there would be layoffs in HP&'s call center but declined to specify the number of employees involved.

HP also aims to consolidate and align the call center with its Technology Solutions Group (TSG), Imaging and Printing Group (IPG) and Personal Systems Group (PSG) business units, she added.

The spokeswoman provided no further details on the realignment. However, she said the layoffs are part of the 14,500 jobs that HP aims to eliminate under a plan announced in July.

HP&'s call center has caused numerous conflicts with HP solution providers in recent years, including telesales staff calling longtime partners&' accounts and encouraging them to buy direct by offering better prices than through the channel.

One HP solution provider, who asked not to be identified, said, “I wish they would just shut the whole thing [call center] down.”