Teleperformance cites absenteeism, lack of punctuality & fraud for downsizing operations – VP

Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo says the Guyana Government is committed to helping those persons who will be genuinely affected, as France-headquartered call centre, Teleperformance, downsizes its operations on the local market.

Reports indicate that the company has already laid off hundreds of workers and has closed its Camp Street, Georgetown location.

Jagdeo said the company has informed Guyanese officials that its operations are being negatively impacted by workers’ absenteeism, lack of punctuality and in some cases, fraud.

“I asked [Finance Minister] Ashni Singh what are you being told and he said they have spoken about absenteeism, the lack of punctuality and a couple of cases of fraud…and you know they operate in a very competitive sector and they have clients abroad and if nobody is there, you can’t keep the quality of the service up,” Jagdeo told reporters during his weekly press conference.

“Like a lot of people apparently are finding jobs elsewhere, so a lot are leaving or some are showing up late and stuff like that,” he added.

The Vice President said the Finance Minister had a meeting this afternoon with representatives from the company to discuss the situation. However, he assured that the government will help Guyanese who will be genuinely impacted at the company scales back its operations.

“For those who genuinely are affected and want to work, we would engage them,” Jagdeo said, noting that “we believe that the economy is kicking to such an extent that we can easily find alternate employment for people who may be affected”.

Teleperformance is still operating at its Middle and Thomas Streets, Georgetown location.