Sky centre closures will 'devastate local economy'

Sky's decision to close its call centre in Stockport with the loss of up to 500 jobs will be "devastating", the town's council has said.

The media and telecoms company plans to close three of its 10 UK customer service centres, putting 2,000 jobs at risk.

Stockport Council has written to the company expressing its "deep concern and disappointment" following the "unexpected decision".

Sky said the changes, along with investment in its Livingstone site in Scotland, would deliver "quicker and simpler" services.

"Stockport has long been a thriving hub for business and innovation, and Sky has been an important part of our employment landscape," the council said in its letter.

It asked for a meeting with the company's leadership team to "better understand the rationale behind the closure" and ensure it "fully meets its responsibilities to its employees".

It added: "We would also like to discuss what meaningful support Sky will put in place for affected workers and how we can work together to mitigate the impact of this decision.

"Our priority is to ensure that those affected receive the support and opportunities they deserve."

The planned cuts - which would see its Stockport, Sheffield and Leeds Central call centres close - mean a 7% reduction of Sky's total workforce and are subject to consultation.

Sky said many customers wanted different means of contacting it, including via online chat and emails, and to be able to reach it 24 hours a day.

A Sky spokesman said it was making a multi-million pound investment in its Livingston site, near Edinburgh, as part of a transformation "to deliver quicker, simpler and more digital customer service".

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