archive News

We have an extensive news archive going back to May 2005 simply search by month

 

 

supplier directory

An extensive supplier database covering the contact centre industry.

 

Articles

Please submit your articles for the consideration of the Editor please email

 

case studies

Please submit your case studies for the consideration please email

 

company information

Search on Companies - What they did, their news & published articles.

 

Job blow as Shop Direct announces 'devastating' job cuts

Home shopping company Shop Direct have entered into a 90 days consultation period with both staff and Unions ahead its proposed closure of its three contact centres in Sunderland, Burnley and Newtown, Mid Wales with the loss of up to 1,500 jobs.

Shop Direct, which owns brands to include Littlewoods, Additions Direct, Very, Empire Stores and Marshall Ward, have confirmed its plans to close its contact centres in Sunderland, Burnley and Newtown, adding that it aimed to create 350 new roles at its contact centres with the introduction of new flexible shift patterns.

In a statement Shop Direct said,  "Following a successful peak trading period where total sales grew by 6% and online sales by 19%, Shop Direct Group now looks set to exceed its target of 70% of its sales online by 2010/11.

Chief executive Mark Newton-Jones said: "We recognise that this is a very difficult time for those teams affected by the proposed contact centre closures. We are working closely with the trade unions to help staff through the consultation process and support them in finding future employment.

"Over the past five years, the proportion of our online sales has grown from 18% to account for over 60% of our business today resulting in excess capacity and space in our contact centres. We are a strong and growing business and we need to adapt to reflect the way our customers choose to shop with us."
7th January 2010

January 2010 - Home Shopping shed 1500 jobs