Over 570 jobs lost as Talk Talk shuts Waterford base

Over 570 jobs are to be lost at telecoms firm Talk Talk following the company's decision to close its facility in Waterford.

Staff were informed of the company's decision at a meeting this afternoon. A 30-day consultation with employees is set to begin tomorrow.

In a statement issued this afternoon, the firm said call volumes had fallen by 40 per cent year-on-year as more customers opted to deal with support issues online.

Talk Talk said the majority of business in the Waterford call centre would be moved to other companies contracted to do the work earlier this year. It said there may be an opportunity for about 80 employees to relocate to another facility in the United Kingdom.

"As our largest in-house site, the proposed closure of Waterford allows us to reduce complexity, simplify our skill sets and bring benefits to customers as quickly as possible. Waterford is our only site that operates with the euro, and the proposed change will therefore also limit our exposure to exchange rate fluctuations," it said.

The firm added its decision in no way reflects on the Waterford team’s performance and commitment. "They have shown huge dedication and care in serving our customers over the years," the firm said.

Minister for Enterprise and Jobs Richard Bruton spoke to the TalkTalk chief executive after government agencies were notified. It is understood he was told the decision could not be reversed.

“My thoughts are with the workers impacted by this announcement by TalkTalk, as well as their families,” he said.

Mr Bruton urged management to consider giving workers, enterprise chiefs in IDA Ireland and government more time to find a new business for the facility.

The firm, which manages the customer support function for Talk Talk customers based in the United Kingdom, is one of the biggest employers in the southeast. It also provides technical support and deals with service enquiries.

The company first established a base outside of Waterford city in 1998 employing 30 people. It employed over 700 people at one stage, although that number has fallen to 575 following the loss of a number of support jobs earlier this year.

Telecoms group Digiweb acquired the telephone and broadband business of Talk Talk Telecom in Ireland and Belgium last May.

Unite trade union said the closure of TalkTalk is another blow to the people of the city and the country.

“Job losses not only affect those on the receiving end, they have a wider impact on the community, with less money available and less confidence,” said a spokesman.

Latest figures show 60,790 men and women in the southeast were claiming unemployment benefits in August, up 1.2 per cent from last year.

GlaxoSmithKline cut its workforce in Dungarvan by 130 in March this year. More than 700 people were employed at the site.

In September 2009, workers at Teva, one of the biggest pharmaceutical factories in the region, were told 315 jobs would go at the plant. The inhaler and tablet manufacturer employed about 730 people.

Almost 500 jobs went at Waterford Crystal when the company went into receivership during 2009. At one stage the famous glass maker in Kilbarry had more than 3,000 workers. It is now down to fewer than 100 staff.

Contact lens maker Bausch & Lombe announced 195 lay-offs in March 2009. The US-based eye care specialist blamed slowing global demand for the cuts to its 1,400 workforce.