HOME shopping group Shop Direct is to close three call centres with the loss of 1,500 jobs – but its Aintree site could benefit.

Today’s announcement is the latest move from the Speke-based firm as it continues its evolution from a mail order firm to an online retailer.

Formerly Littlewoods, Shop Direct now receives more than 60% of its sales online while the number of calls it received had fallen from 33m to 19m in just four years.

It is closing its call centres in Sunderland, Burnley and Newtown in Mid Wales, but is planning to create up to 350 new roles at its remaining sites. It plans to introduce flexible shift patterns at its four other call centres, in Aintree, Bolton, Preston and Worcester.

Chief executive Mark Newton-Jones said: “We recognise that this is a very difficult time for those teams affected by the proposed contact centre closures.

“We are working closely with the trade unions to help staff through the consultation process and support them in finding future employment.

“Over the past five years, the proportion of our online sales has grown from 18% to account for over 60% of our business today resulting in excess capacity and space in our contact centres.

“We are a strong and growing business and we need to adapt to reflect the way our customers choose to shop with us.”

The GMB said the cuts in Sunderland, Burnley and Newtown in Mid Wales were a “devastating blow” to local communities.

Northern regional officer Mick Hopper said: “This announcement is a body blow in an area of very high unemployment. We will be seeking help from elected representatives and other Government agencies to see what can be done to save jobs.”

Last year, Shop Direct shut its Crosby call centre with the loss of more than 1,000 jobs.