Greenock looks set for a jobs boost as a result of a global support contract recently agreed between Xerox and IBM. Following a review by Xerox of its operations in Ireland, the printing giant has decided to cut up to 900 call centre jobs at its offices in Dublin.

GREENOCK looks set for a jobs boost as a result of a global support contract recently agreed between Xerox and IBM.

Following a review by Xerox of its operations in Ireland, the printing giant has decided to cut up to 900 call centre jobs at its offices in Dublin, and outsource the work to IBM Global Services.

The Herald understands this effectively means the posts will be allotted across IBM's network of centres in Sofia (Bulgaria), Bangalore (India) and Manila (the Philippines), as well as Greenock - which, according to sources, is to be allocated "not quite a hundred" jobs.

A spokesman for IBM would not confirm the Greenock jobs, but said yesterday: "Following the conclusion of Xerox's business review regarding its shared services activities in Ireland and the announcement of the decision to partner with IBM, Xerox has entered into an information and consultation phase with the 900 employees concerned.

"Under the outsourcing contract, IBM will draw upon its global delivery capability to deliver services to Xerox. The transition will take up to 18 months to complete. IBM is a global company with expertise worldwide and has a commitment to use that expertise in providing the level of support that meets Xerox's long-term requirements."

Last week Xerox told its Irish workforce that the services provided by Dublin staff would be "integrated into IBM's global delivery network".

A spokesman for Scottish Enterprise Renfrewshire, which has previously been involved in working with IBM to bring jobs to the area, said he could not comment.