EE to close Greenock call centre and relocate to Glasgow

The EE call centre in Greenock currently employs 450 people

An EE call centre in Greenock is closing and relocating to Glasgow as it is no longer "fit for purpose".

The office, which employs 450 people, is in need of significant improvements including heating and lighting updates, say BT Group.

The relocation to the newly refurbished Glasgow office, Alexander Bain House, will take place on 30 November. No jobs will be put at risk.

A BT Group spokesperson said the company was consulting with colleagues and trade unions on the proposed plan.

“Around 2000 colleagues are already based at our Glasgow office, which includes all parts of BT Group, allowing colleagues many opportunities to develop their careers across the company," they said.

“BT Group continues to make record investments in Scotland’s infrastructure, including in Inverclyde, helping to transform and futureproof the nation’s digital economy."

The Glasgow office has recently undergone a multi-million pound upgrade.

Commutable distance

The BT Group spokesperson said Alexander Bain House in Glasgow was within a commutable distance of the current office in Greenock.

They added that colleagues affected by the proposal, who were not within reasonable travel distance, would be offered support and available options.

If eligible, additional travel costs will be discussed and agreed.

Stuart McMillan, MSP for the local area of Inverclyde, raised his concerns about the move in First Ministers Questions on Thursday afternoon.

He said the announcement would mean people would be "forced" to work in Glasgow or find another job.

Mr McMillan asked First Minister Humza Yousaf to leave "no stone unturned" to help Inverclyde, and added that the area now had another large empty facility.