COMPASS contract in Scotland and Northern Ireland

Serco announces that it has completed the transfer of Orchard & Shipman’s wholly-owned subsidiary, ‘Orchard & Shipman (Glasgow) Ltd to Serco. The subsidiary was previously Serco’s sub-contractor on the COMPASS contract, providing accommodation for asylum seekers in Scotland and Northern Ireland on behalf of the Home Office. Today’s announcement follows the statement on 21 September that Serco was entering into discussions about this possible transfer.

As a result of the transfer, Serco’s management team has now assumed direct operational control and responsibility for the provision of housing for approximately 4,750 asylum seekers in Scotland and Northern Ireland.  The transfer will not result in any moves or changes to the accommodation arrangements for the asylum seekers.  74  Orchard & Shipman employees have transferred to Serco under their existing terms and conditions and no job losses are envisaged.

Julia Rogers, Serco’s Managing Director, Immigration, said: “I am pleased that we have successfully completed this transfer.  People concerned about the wellbeing of asylum seekers have told us that they want greater clarity over the responsibility and accountability for their care and this new arrangement will provide that transparency.

“Our priority has always been to ensure that we provide decent and safe accommodation for the 4,750 asylum seekers in our care in Scotland and Northern Ireland and that we meet all our obligations under the COMPASS contract. 

“We will also continue to seek and listen to the views of, and have a constructive dialogue with, those organisations and people in both Scotland and Northern Ireland who have the interests of the asylum seekers at heart.

“I want to thank everyone at Orchard & Shipman Glasgow for all their hard work over the past three years on this demanding contract and welcome our new staff to Serco.”

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