4:08pm Monday 1st March 2010
TRADE unions have made a last-ditch effort to stop a south Essex call centre closing with the loss of 600 jobs.
Rayleigh MP Mark Francois said unions had put together a counter proposal to Eon over its closure of the call centre in London Road, Rayleigh.
The energy company’s bosses announced in January the call centre would be closing as it was creating centres of excellence elsewhere in the country.
Mr Francois said he hoped Eon would reconsider its decision.
He said: “I hope Eon might recognise the very real contribution its employees at Rayleigh have made to returning its retail division to profitability, and it might reconsider the proposed closure.
“However, if that proves not to be the case, as many employees at the site obviously fear, I would like the maximum amount of support to be made available to my constituents affected by the closure.”
The trade unions proposals are believed to detail ways of making savings, but keeping the site open.
Staff are now in a consultation period with management until mid-April, with the closure of the call centre expected in June.
Eon spokesman Jonathan Smith said: “We continue to consult with various stakeholders with regard to the planned closure of Rayleigh, but the rationale behind our plans is very strong.
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