Andy Burnham and Stockport’s leaders write to Sky over shock axing of call centre
The Leader and Group Leaders of Stockport Council, and the Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham have issued an open letter to Sky after the sudden and unexpected decision by the broadcaster to close its call centre in Stockport.
In the letter they express “deep concern and disappointment” going on to say: “this announcement, made without warning, has come as a significant shock to our community, with no prior indication that such a move was being considered.”
Sky, owned by US giant Comcast, said it was making a multi-million pound investment in its Livingston site, near Edinburgh, as part of a transformation “to deliver quicker, simpler and more digital customer service”.
As well as closing three sites in Stockport, Leeds and Sheffield, operations at its Dunfermline and Newcastle sites would also be affected by the plans.
A Sky spokesman said: “This is about building a future-ready Sky that continues to put our customers and their needs first.”
In January 2024, Sky said it was planning to cut 1,000 jobs in the UK as it moved towards more internet-based services.
But the Stockport letter reveals how the decision blindsided local leaders and staff on the site, which has been seen as a symbol of Stockport’s revival, since in opened.
The letter signed by Cllr Mark Hunter, Leader of the Council, Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Cllr David Meller, Leader of the Labour Group, Cllr Matt Wynne, Leader of the Edgeley Community Association Cllr Anna Charles-Jones, Leader of the Head Green Independent Ratepayers Group, as well as Andy Burnham, the Greater Manchester Mayor, goes on to demand a meeting with Sky “at the highest level” to potentially explore alternatives.
“This closure will have a devastating impact on hundreds of employees, their families, and the wider local economy. Stockport has long been a thriving hub for business and innovation, and Sky has been an important part of our employment landscape. Given the scale of this decision, we are urgently seeking a meeting at the highest level with your leadership team to better understand the rationale behind this closure, explore any possible alternatives, and ensure that Sky fully meets its responsibilities to its employees and the wider Stockport community.
“We would also like to discuss what meaningful support Sky will put in place for affected workers and how we can work together to mitigate the impact of this decision. Our priority is to ensure that those affected receive the support and opportunities they deserve, and we hope that Sky will engage constructively with us on this matter.”
