ELECTRICAL giant Thorn UK has decided to outsource its 1,800-strong car and van fleet to PHH Vehicle Management. The contract begins at the end of December and will see Thorn's transport team of six made redundant, including vehicle fleet manager Anne Giberson, former winner of a Fleet News Fleet Manager of the Year Award.

PHH will provide Thorn with full fleet management, including the acquisition, maintenance and sale of vehicles, accident management and fuel management via the BP Supercharge card. A spokesman for Thorn said: 'Following a thorough review, Thorn UK recently decided to outsource its vehicle fleet management to PHH. Of the six staff, half have already secured alternative employment and every effort is being made to find employment for the remaining members.'

Thorn's decision will heighten fears among fleet managers that outsourcing is returning to the corporate agenda as the economy tightens.