Serco inks deal to operate Gatwick airport immigration removal centres
Public services provider Serco has signed a new contract with the UK Home Office Immigration Enforcement department to manage two immigration removal centres located at Gatwick airport.
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Serco said on Thursday that the contract was expected to start on 21 May and had an estimated total value of approximately £200m over an initial eight-year term.
The FTSE 250-listed firm will manage and operate both the Brook House and Tinsley House immigration removal centres, as well as providing pre-departure accommodation services, currently operated under a separate contract.
Serco will also be recruiting around 170 additional employees, increasing overall staffing levels to approximately 580.
Chief executive Rupert Soames said: "Serco has a great deal of experience of caring for people in the immigration system both in the UK and internationally, and we understand the sensitivity and complexity of this role.
"The Home Office has made significant investment in the design and resourcing of the new contract, and we are committed to ensuring that there is a healthy, decent environment in the centres for all residents and employees."
As of 1135 GMT, Serco shares were down 1.08% at 156.10p.