Peterborough employer plans jobs move to Lithuania

Global financial giant Western Union Business Solutions, based at Worldwide House, in Thorpe Wood, is planning to shift an unspecified number of jobs overseas.

The company, which employs 270 people in Peterborough, is currently consulting with staff over the proposed shake-up.

It is not clear how many jobs are at risk but is thought to be up to 50.

A spokeswoman for Western Union said: “As part of its commitment to deliver best in class performance and products for its customers, Western Union is reviewing its global operations structure.

“It is proposing to move a number of positions from its UK headquarters in Peterborough to its European centre in Vilnius, Lithuania.

“This review is part of a long-term investment in our global operations organisation.

“Western Union is completing a period of collective consultation with the affected employees.”

Details of the proposed jobs move were released as Prime Minister Theresa May delivered her Article 50 letter to the European Council president announcing the UK’s intention to leave the EU.

Peterborough MP Stewart Jackson said: “I am disappointed that some jobs will be lost in Peterborough and I am sorry Western Union has made that decision, but there are other companies coming to Peterborough.

“It is going against the trend.”

He said that following Brexit there would be excellent new trading opportunities across the globe over the next few years.

“I think it is a little short-sighted to not be in a position to see what new opportunities there are across the globe.”

pETERBOROUGH HAS A REPUTATION AS A JOBS CREATING CITY.

The city was ranked second out of 64 of the largest job-creating UK cities in 2015.

Last year, it was claimed 8,000 plus jobs had been created in the city over six years. There are exceptions. Norwich and Peterborough owner, Yorkshire Building Society, is to axe 200 jobs here and Dunelm is to lose 176 jobs as it closes its distribution and call centres in Peterborough.