Mobile network giant EE announces closure of Greenock call centre

Mobile network EE is set to close its Greenock call centre, leaving Inverclyde with a potential loss of 450 jobs to the local area.

The business is entering a consultation period with plans to close at the end of November, after saying the building would need substantial investment to bring it up to standard.

The firm claims no jobs will be lost, simply transferred to its "flagship" hub in Glasgow which it claims is within a commutable distance from Greenock.

However local MSP Stuart Milne claims this will not be possible for all employees, with many facing childcare or other committments.

He asked for the full support of the Scottish Government during FMQs today.

'Hammer blow for Inverclyde'

He said: “The news that the EE site in Greenock is set for closure is a huge disappointment, and my thoughts are with all those who’re now considering what their future with the company looks like.

“While I welcome the assurance from BT Group that they aim to relocate the 455 affected staff to their newly refurbished premises in Glasgow, offering a range of support options including paying Additional Travel Costs for a 2-year period to anyone incurring additional financial cost as a result of the proposed move, this will still deliver a hammer blow to the local economy if the closure goes ahead.

“As soon as I was informed of this news, I contacted the Scottish Government to inform them of the situation and ask if they stand ready to support Inverclyde given the impact this will have upon the economy.

“I raised my concerns regarding this announcement at FMQs and appreciated the First Minister providing assurances that the government will work with EE and Inverclyde Council to provide a positive outcome for staff and the site – as this means another large unit will lie vacant in Inverclyde.

“I have suggested that this does however provide scope for a new police station or college campus to be located at the site, and I’ve sought support from Scottish Enterprise to help progress this idea.”

BT response

A BT Group spokesperson said: “We’re consulting with colleagues and trade unions on our proposed plan to relocate colleagues at our Greenock contact centre to our flagship Glasgow office, which has recently undergone a multi-million pound upgrade.

“Around 2000 colleagues are already based at our Glasgow office, which includes all parts of BT Group, allowing colleagues many opportunities to develop their careers across the company.

“BT Group continues to make record investments in Scotland’s infrastructure, including in Inverclyde, helping to transform and futureproof the nation’s digital economy. Our 5G EE network now covers all of Scotland’s major cities and beyond and our 4G network covers 76% of Scotland, which is more than any other network.

"We have also announced a significant investment in a brand new contact centre in Dundee, securing 1,000 jobs for the city, which is due to open later this year.”

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