Axe falls at Debenhams' Bedford House (From This is The West Country)

Axe falls at Debenhams' Bedford House

5:20pm Thursday 2nd August 2012 in News Exclusive By Michael Marsh

ALMOST 100 staff at one of Taunton’s largest employers were made redundant last week, the County Gazette has learned.

Most of the staff in the customer contact centre at Debenhams’ Bedford House left for the last time on Friday (July 27) as the retail giant began the process of outsourcing its calls to Leeds.

We can reveal that 98 staff were made redundant with another 63 of the centre’s 222 staff to follow when the centre closes fully on August 31.

Of the remaining workers, 61 have found employment elsewhere within the company with 11 taking the decision to transfer 250 miles away to Leeds.

The decision comes after a 90-day consultation following April’s announcement that jobs were at risk.

Taunton Deane MP Jeremy Browne said: “It’s always depressing when jobs are lost in Taunton. We must continue to try to attract new investment and employment to the town.

“I’ve been assured by Debenhams that they remain committed to Taunton and I hope they’ll remain a major local employer for years to come.”

Debenhams spokesman Ed Watson said the move was “the right thing” for customers.

He said: “This wasn’t a decision we’ve taken lightly. We’d like to thank everyone involved for their continuing support and professionalism.”