Workers tell of shock and disgust after years of service

SHOP Direct workers last night spoke of their shock at the decision to close the Crosby call centre.

Many said they had been told not to speak to the press as consultation began on the job losses.

A 20-year-old worker, from Crosby, said: “This has been in the pipeline for ages.

“The managing director came around in a chauffeur-driven car around October time, to tell us we wouldn’t be getting our pay rise. We were taken into a briefing and then given a letter when we left.

“We were told they do not need the call centres any more because of the demand on-line.

“I think it is disgusting. The rumours were around on Saturday and Sunday and when we came in yesterday morning we were told that was it.”

One female worker said: “The rumours have been coming and going about this for the past 20 years.

“It is devastating and so upsetting for a lot of people.”

Another female worker, who didn’t want to be named, said: “I arrived at 12.45pm and noticed there were a lot of empty spaces in the car park.

“I spoke to one of my colleagues and she told me what had happened. It is terrible news.

“I’ve been here for 17 years and this has come as a huge shock. I think we all knew in our hearts something like this was going to happen, although I am not happy at the way it has been done.

“But the decision is made and that is that.

“I think John Moores would have been upset. He thought a lot of the people of Liverpool.

“Things are supposed to be getting better, but they are getting worse.”