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Economy Secretary has said he is optimistic that the majority of workers facing potential redundancy at Tesco House Contact Centre will find alternative work in the sector

First published:
21 July 2017
Last updated:

This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government

Last month Tesco announced a consultation period on plans to close the contact centre  that could lead to the potential loss of 1100 jobs. 

In response the Economy Secretary established the Tesco Taskforce, which includes the Minister for Skills and Science, representatives of Careers Wales, the Welsh Contact Centre Forum, DWP, Public Health Wales, Trade Unions and Welsh Government officials,  to ensure that workers affected could access the very best support. The Taskforce met for the first time last week. 

Ken Skates said: 

“Tesco’s plans to close its Cardiff contact centre have come as a  devastating blow to  its highly skilled and award winning staff.

While Tesco are still consulting on these plans, there remains some hope that they may reverse their decision. However in the mean time we are working with our Taskforce to do all we can to provide the support and reassurance that staff need at this difficult time. 

I am pleased to report that just over one week since the first meeting of our Taskforce,  we have now received in confidence indications from around 20 successful and well established companies in South Wales that they would be interested in providing employment opportunities to Tesco staff at risk of redundancy.

This is a huge testament to what can be achieved through a proactive and collaborative approach. Our priority throughout the summer will be to maintain momentum so that whatever Tesco’s ultimate decision, we can work to ensure the best achievable outcome for affected workers.”