Council ‘shocked’ as Sky to depart 29,000 sq ft Stockport hub
The media giant is closing its call centre at St Peter’s Square in the town centre.
Sky announced yesterday its intention to cut 2,000 jobs at call centres in Stockport, Sheffield, and Leeds as part of a shift away from phone interactions with customers.
Sky arrived in Stockport in 2010, taking an initial 23,500 sq ft at St Peter’s Square less than a year after the building completed.
Sky then expanded its presence, taking an additional 5,600 sq ft on the top floor of the 51,000 sq ft office.
The building is owned by an entity based in the British Virgin Islands, according to HM Land Registry.
Stockport Council Leader Cllr Mark Hunter said he is “shocked and deeply concerned” by Sky’s decision, which he said came, “without warning” and described as a “significant blow”, to the town’s economy.
“I am urgently seeking a meeting at the highest levels with Sky’s leadership to discuss their rationale, explore any possible alternatives, and ensure they fulfil their responsibilities to their employees and our community,” Hunter said.
“I will be looking to work closely with our local MPs and the Greater Manchester Mayor to push for meaningful support for affected workers and to explore new opportunities for investment and employment in Stockport.”
He added: “Stockport is a thriving hub for business and innovation, and we stand with our workers, and we will do everything in our power to secure a positive outcome for them and for our town.”
All down to the Labour NI rise – will accelerate the momentum behind head count reduction and the use of AI and advanced tech – way more the come across the whole economy.
By John Wood
Maintaining people to do what a computer can do better is not a long term business strategy
By Graham
To be honest, I’m not really surprised All those new apartments being built in Stockport and yet there’s no new businesses in town and now, 2000 employees are out of work in a town that already has problems with people trying to find work there.
By Graham Brindley
How can allegedly intelligent senior council staff not understand how technology will continue to bring these situations about, and as per, they waffie forth pathetic messages of sympathy. Just how are they going to influence this outcome? they wont, ‘cos they cannot!
By Chris Allen
I don’t understand what difference an urgent meeting will make – the decision by a plc has been made. As for working closing with MPs and the GM mayor – why? The company has legal obligations. If these aren’t adhered to, go directly to the appropriate agency rather than the MP or Mayor. The gravy train is still being driven 😒
By Anonymous
John Wood – I suspect that this is more to do with a technology switch rather than a rise in NI contribution. I also suspect that there will be a world wide trend for closing down call centres with AI taking over the jobs of call centre staff. Nothing the local councillors can do about it.
By Anonymous
Call centres come and go all the time. AI is taking more of the workload and with initiatives such as OFCOM’s one touch switching, the role of retentions is less viable because the new process eliminates the need for the customer to contact their old provider.
Furthermore, it’s about time these companies realise not everyone wants to, or can afford to live or travel to a city for work, especially with lower paid jobs which is what most call centres offer. The future is work from home or hybrid for this kind of role.
By Rik