Call for urgent talks over Kingswinford npower closure plan

Dudley South MP Chris Kelly said he wanted to discuss the reasons behind the closure as he pledged his support to staff who may be affected.

The company announced yesterday that it would be closing its IT call centre in High Street following a "strategic review" of the firm's sites.

No date has yet been given for the closure, but a spokesman said it would be within the year.

The firm said some staff would be relocated but would not say if jobs were at risk. Mr Kelly said: "I am surprised to learn about this from the Express & Star and not the company.

"I see it as a very important part of my role – to represent constituents – and any who have concerns should feel free to contact me.

"I will be seeking a meeting with the leadership of the company, and while I don't expect to reverse the decision, I want to speak to them about why they have made the decision and seek what help I can for all those affected employees."

Dudley North MP Ian Austin also offered his support to staff.

He said: "This must be a very worrying time for the staff and their families and I hope no-one is made redundant.

"If job losses are announced I'll be calling for ministers to provide the urgent support, advice and training people need to get back into work quickly."

Paul Bennett, president of the Black Country Chamber of Commerce, said: "Large firms will make their decisions on business principle.

"They are not making the decision on local reasons. In these situations all we can do is to ensure we offer as compelling proposition to stay as possible," he added.

Npower's Kingswinford office is the company's only IT call centre in the Black Country.

The company also currently has three offices in Oldbury and one in Solihull – and both are residential and business call centres.

The company's retail headquarters, which includes IT services, is based in Worcester.

It is understood that management at the Kingswinford office were calling all staff for a meeting today.