Kays bad news continues as 86 more jobs go in city (From Worcester News)

Kays bad news continues as 86 more jobs go in city

2:06pm Thursday 11th May 2006 in News

ANOTHER 86 jobs are to be moved out of Worcester by the former Kays catalogue firm.

The announcement comes just two days after the firm revealed it is to make 500 people redundant at its warehouse in the city.

The latest loss will come from the IT department of Littlewoods Shop Direct in Newtown Road.

Workers there have revealed that the department, which shares an office with the firm's call centre, will be shut down in December 2007.

They have been offered the chance to relocate to Speke, near Liverpool, but a member of staff divulged that no-one was interested.

An employee, who did not want to be named, said: "Most people have been in the job between five and 20 years and Worcester is their home. The relocation package they're offering isn't that attractive and nobody wants to move anyway.

"We are well-paid here and to find another job with a similar salary in the same sector in Worcester will be difficult."

Littlewoods Shop Direct, which now owns Kays, confirmed the planned closure and the number of people involved.

David Boardman, communications director, said: "A consultation period is in place, during which we are talking to individuals about what they would like to do.

"There are jobs available for them in Speke, and those who want to move there can do.

"For those who do not, it will be a case of them having to find a new job. In that situation, we will help them prepare for a new role by going through their CVs and interview techniques and so on."

As revealed in yesterday's Worcester News, 500 staff at the warehouse in Bransford Road have been told they will lose their jobs in January.

The decision follows an announcement first made in September 2005. The company and unions have spent the last nine months trying to come up with a business plan, but to no avail.

It was not all bad news, however, as 650 workers at the call centre were told that their jobs are safe for at least the next two years.