Sky to close Stockport office

Telecoms and media giant, Sky, has begun consulting with staff as it looks to close a number of offices across the UK, including its Stockport site.

The group has confirmed it is looking to close three of its UK contact centres in Stockport, Sheffield and Leeds, as well as reducing operations at its sites in Dunfermline and Newcastle. In total, changes will affect around 2,000 employees nationwide and will see the business shed approximately 7% of its workforce. The business, which is owned by US media business Comcast, will instead invest in a new ‘centre of excellence’ for customer contact in Livingston, Scotland, which will see greater focus on digital communication tools.

The business told colleagues changes were focused on creating a ‘future-ready Sky’, and said:

“We’re transforming our business to deliver quicker, simpler, and more digital customer service.

“Our customers increasingly want choice, to speak to us on the phone when they need us most and the ease of managing everyday tasks digitally.“

Stockport has been the home of Sky’s Subscriber Services contact centre since 2010, and the business currently occupies a 50,000 sq ft office building on Wellington Road. The latest job losses at Sky follow the axing of 1,000 installation roles nationwide in response to falling demand for new sattelite TV connections.

Commenting on the closure of Sky’s Stockport site, Leader of Stockport Council, Cllr Mark Hunter, said:

“We are shocked and deeply concerned by the sudden announcement that Sky is closing its call centre in Stockport — without warning — leaving local jobs, families, and our economy facing an unexpected and significant blow.

“There was no prior indication of this decision, making it all the more alarming. Our immediate priority is to understand the full implications of this decision and to support those affected.

“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.

“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.

“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.”