Faced with a GBP 40 million cut in its GBP 205 million budget, The British Council is considering outsourcing over 100 jobs to India, a first for a public sector organization in UK. The organization, whose job is to promote British culture abroad, is cutting 500 out of 1,300 UK-based staff, 280 of whom are permanent employees.

This move has been criticized heavily by the Public and Commercial Services Union who have called the move an "absolute disgrace" and fear that this could be a precursor to more British public sector jobs flowing out of UK.

Although no final decision has been made, about 58 finance posts, up to 40 IT posts and 15 centre of excellence posts are said to be on the list for outsourcing. Prior to the move, Indian workers will be brought over to shadow the staff The British Council in Manchester.