Intuit cuts jobs and outsources support

An Intuit statement said that the company is now focusing on "core growth areas" which basically means Internet-based products, and is looking to "improve operational efficiency," in a move which could be seen as fat-trimming.

Intuit has a 3,000 workforce and the job cuts represent nearly 10 per cent. These cuts are expected to be heavy in Europe where offices in the UK and France are "refocusing on local marketing, sales and channel development."

A reduction of around 70 staff is expected in Europe's existing customer service and technical support divisions while additional staff reductions are being made in the consumer finance group and as a result of service and support outsourcing in the US.

The European call centre will be set up in Ismaning in Germany and will be run by a yet to be named third party call centre specialist.

Intuit UK's offices were shut today due to "company training," according to a recorded message.

Intuit can be contacted by telephone on 01932-578500