Jobs at risk as Origin inks Wipro deal

Utility Origin Energy overnight said a number of IT staff could be affected as part of a billing system overhaul it has inked with Indian IT services firm Wipro.

The energy retailer has not said how many staff would be affected, however, shifts in roles are expected to come through in May next year as part of a major effort to overhaul its retail billing systems.

Wipro will head up the two-year implementation of Origin's new SAP-based integrated billing system and will also take on back office functions under the deal.

"There will be few, if any, redundancies as a result of this decision. Wipro will be making employment offers and Origin's growing business will also provide employment opportunities," Origin Energy said in a statement.

Final contract negotiations are still underway and are expected to be complete in early December 2008. Origin added that specific details of the partnership will remain commercial in confidence.

"Transformation will enable Origin to better meet customer needs both now and in the future," said Phil Craig, Origin's general manager of its Retail division. "It will give us the capability we need to provide superior customer service, product innovation and product delivery."

Origin Energy was not available for comment to ZDNet.com.au's queries at the time of writing.