Anna McMorrin MP says: “The potential loss of over 1,100 jobs in Cardiff North is a major blow for the local community and economy. It is also devastating for the employees and their families and I have been inundated with requests for help from them. I have been struck by the number of families who have more than one person working at the call centre, so they are going to be hit particularly hard.

“This evening, with the support of my fellow MPs from Cardiff and across South Wales, I am asking for the Government's assistance. I will be listening carefully to the Minister to see what can be done to keep this call centre work in Wales and help the staff affected stay in employment.”

Nick Ireland – Usdaw Divisional Officer says: “We welcome the continued support from Anna and her Labour colleagues, our members appreciate the efforts that are being made to assist them at this difficult time.

“Consultation talks with the company are continuing where we are looking at the business case for the proposed closure. Our priorities are to keep as many as possible in employment, whether that is with Tesco or other local employers, and to get the best possible deal for our members. In the meantime we are providing the help, advice and support Usdaw members need through this process.”

Notes for editors:

Usdaw (Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) is the UK's fourth biggest trade union with nearly 430,000 members. Membership has increased by more than 20% in the decade. Most Usdaw members work in the retail sector, but the Union also has many members in transport, distribution, food manufacturing, chemicals and other trades.

For Usdaw press releases visit: www.usdaw.org.uk/news and you can follow us on Twitter @UsdawUnion