Call Centre Jobs In Doubt

A local MP has spoken of his renewed concerns over jobs at a troubled call centre in Northern Ireland.

Workers at Anderson Manning Associates, which employs 150 people in Bangor and 45 staff at its Rosemount offices in Londonderry, are worried that their jobs may be in jeopardy following the collapse of a major TV network contract.

Foyle MP and SDLP leader Mark Durkan has revealed that management at the firm's Co Down head office had told him they were currently in talks with both banks and Invest NI.

Mr Durkan has now spoken of his further fears for the future of the call centre after the company failed to pay their staff this week.

Anderson Manning call centre workers in Rosemount did not receive their wages on Thursday, Mr Durkan revealed, however they have now received their pay.

"My office, as well as a number of other SDLP representatives, have been contacted by workers at the company's Rosemount facility," he said.

"I have spoken to senior management at Anderson Manning in their Bangor head office to establish the position. I expressed my clear view that staff should be provided with all possible information with regard to the future of the company, given that a number of rumours have filled the vacuum and have only added to people's anxieties."

Directors at Anderson Manning Associates have said in a statement that their largest client recently ceased trading.

"The management team is currently in detailed negotiations with its business and financial advisors assessing a number of options to ensure that the company will be able to continue trading.

"The company hopes to be in a position to release more information on its future strategy shortly," the spokesperson said. The company say the money has now been paid and it is assessing its options to ensure that it can continue trading in the future.

(BMcC)