More call centre jobs on the line at Sykes

Galashiels, UNITED KINGDOM. - 29 / Nov / 2012 :
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Michael Moore MP opens new Contact Centre in Galashiels
Caption:
Local MP Michael Moore formally opened Sykess new contact centre in Galashiels today (Editor: Thurs Nov 29th) at the companys 100+strong fulfilment facilities by Netherdale. Some 40 new contact centre agents have now been employed and this number is likely to grow to a target of 200-seats over the next eighteen months.

I am delighted to open this additional facility, which has been totally resourced by local people and is further proof that we have a quality pool of labour here in the Borders, said Michael Moore.

Sykess UK subsidiary was formed as a result of the acquisition of Galashiels printers McQueen in 1998. The $1.2-billion Florida headquartered company is a global operator with 55,000 employees, 750 of which are located in Edinburgh and Galashiels, with much of the groups European operation managed out of Edinburgh.

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Further information from L — Galashiels, UNITED KINGDOM. - 29 / Nov / 2012 : Free News Image ::: No Charge Michael Moore MP opens new Contact Centre in Galashiels Caption: Local MP Michael Moore formally opened Sykess new contact centre in Galashiels today (Editor: Thurs Nov 29th) at the companys 100+strong fulfilment facilities by Netherdale. Some 40 new contact centre agents have now been employed and this number is likely to grow to a target of 200-seats over the next eighteen months. I am delighted to open this additional facility, which has been totally resourced by local people and is further proof that we have a quality pool of labour here in the Borders, said Michael Moore. Sykess UK subsidiary was formed as a result of the acquisition of Galashiels printers McQueen in 1998. The $1.2-billion Florida headquartered company is a global operator with 55,000 employees, 750 of which are located in Edinburgh and Galashiels, with much of the groups European operation managed out of Edinburgh. end Further information from L

The outsourced customer support firm, which handles incoming calls and emails from customers of clients such as Sony and Motorola, was opened by then local MP Michael Moore in 2012 when he was secretary of state for Scotland.

The centre has been plagued by rumours of redundancies over the years, but only two years ago, the company said it was looking to recruit 145 more people at its European hub in Edinburgh.

This latest news follows the decision by Ovo Energy in Selkirk to close its Ettrick Riverside call centre in May, putting almost 400 jobs at risk.

A Sykes spokesman told us this week: “Sykes is responsive to the needs of the market and our clients in a constantly changing business landscape.

“The decision to make such changes is never easy.

“After careful review we have started consultation about a reduction in the contact centre workforce at our Galashiels site and at the same time we are seeking redeployment opportunities within the company for the affected employees.”

John Lamont, MP for Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk, says he has been trying to contact the company for an urgent meeting.

He told us: “The reports of these redundancies at the Sykes call centre is devastating.

“Sykes is a big employer in the Borders so these job losses will add further challenges for our local economy as it begins to recover from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

“I have attempted to make contact with the management at the site to discuss the situation. However, they have not yet responded.

“For anybody who is worried about their job and is looking for advice, I would encourage them to contact me and I will do my best to assist.”