Sabre moves support roles to Uruguay

JOBS are on the line at Sabre as it plans to move its UK operations support and software helpdesk for small and medium-sized agencies to Uruguay.

The move comes as the global distribution system supplier prepares to announce at least six new account wins from “well-known industry names” in the business and leisure sectors within the next few weeks.

A spokesman said 14 support roles were under review, but he could not say how many people would be affected. Staff will be given several months’ notice.

The company has drawn up an 18-month timetable to complete the Uruguay move, which affects both Sabre Travel Network and Sabre Airline Solutions.

Sabre vice-president for the UK and Ireland David Brown said the changes would not impact on service.

“We are constantly evaluating where we have got repetition and multiple sites doing the same thing. Putting the costs aside, there is a strong efficiency argument for doing it.”

Sabre recently lost the P&O Business Travel account to rival Galileo (Travel Weekly March 19), but denied this had anything to do with the consolidation of its customer support groups, pointing out the plans were already in the pipeline.

However, it is understood staff believe the loss of the P&O account – which Sabre held for seven years – was the catalyst.

Sabre plans to keep a watching brief on the transfer of software support for smaller agencies to decide whether to move the UK facility for its larger customers as well.

The plans also affect its services in North America and Latin America and all Spanish-speaking software and operations support in Europe. Job cuts are also likely in the US, Canada and Latin American countries.

Sabre said the plans are part of its drive to reduce overheads. The new base in Montevideo was chosen because of its low overheads, technology structure and multilingual employees.