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'Disappointing' and 'Regrettable' - the job losses at Ventura call centre, Splott
posted on 19/06/2008

The Deputy First Minister and Minister for the Economy and Transport (Ieuan Wyn Jones): Ventura’s announcement of the closure of its operation in Ocean Park House is extremely disappointing and my thoughts are with those who have been affected. My officials are in close contact with the company and every effort is being made to work closely with the company and its employees to see what further support can be provided.

Lorraine Barrett: As you say, the job losses are disappointing and regrettable, and to lose 600 jobs in one go is very worrying. From what I have read, I understand that a number of employees may be able to find jobs in other call centres and that that is being pursued actively. The other aspect of this that is very disappointing is that many members of staff only found out about the job losses via the media. Some of the staff were on maternity leave. To hear in the morning, when you get up, that your job is no more is devastating. Given that this company received, in its words, substantial support in 2004 from the Government’s regional selective assistance grant to expand the site and to take on what the company described as an established team of experienced professionals, can you tell us how much money it received in that grant? Will that money be clawed back? Were you given any notice that the company was going to move out of Cardiff?

The Deputy First Minister: This was extremely regrettable news, which came suddenly; the difficulty is that I do not believe that anyone had much notice that this was going to happen. It is difficult to understand the contrast between what has happened with Ventura and the fact that many other call centres are recruiting staff in Cardiff. It is difficult to understand that reasoning, particularly given the fact that, although the regional selective assistance offers were made in 2004, they were actually paid last year. As I understand it, the payments were in two tranches—in June and July 2007—and totalled £375,000. Therefore, it is surprising that this sum was paid 12 months ago, and that the company has now decided to pull out. We will make every possible effort to recover the money that has been paid. Several other call centres in Cardiff that are recruiting will probably be looking to recruit Ventura staff. My officials are working closely with the company to ensure that all possible information is being given to employees who have been affected. The Government will help link employers to Ventura staff, because a jobs fair will take place on 19 June.
 

Quotes from Plenary debate on Tuesday 17th June 2008