Worries for 106 Aviemore call centre jobs

There are fears for the future of 106 jobs at a call centre in Aviemore following cuts announced by HSBC.

The bank has confirmed that it is to cut about 130 jobs in Scotland as part of its global efficiency plans.

HSBC had said earlier that posts would go from its call centres in Edinburgh and Hamilton.

HEROtsc, which runs the call centre in Aviemore, has since confirmed that it had lost a contract with HSBC and was trying to find a new client.

A spokesperson for HEROtsc said: "Sadly the client in our Aviemore operation, HSBC, has indicated that from the end of September they will no longer require HEROtsc to provide contact centre services for them.

"This is no reflection on the quality provided by HEROtsc employees in the seven years they have been working on this particular account and is the result of a change in operating structure by the client."

The company said it was aware of how important the jobs were to the Highlands town.

The spokesperson said: "We understand this is a worrying time for all concerned and we will be keeping staff fully informed of all developments in the weeks ahead."

Dave Thompson, SNP MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch, said the end of the contract was devastating news.

He added: "I will work closely with HEROtsc, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the Scottish government to see if we can help them obtain another contract.

"My sympathies are with those directly affected by these potential redundancies and I will do all I can to help."