Shailesh Vara MP has today spoken with Mr Graham Perry, President of MasterCard Prepaid Management Services, following the company’s announcement of proposed redundancies at its centre in Hampton, Peterborough.

 

Mr Vara urged Mr Perry to give a precise figure as to the number of people who will be affected and whilst Mr Perry would not commit to this, saying that he wanted his staff to be told first of the numbers involved, he said it was substantially less than the figure that has been previously referred to.

 

Mr Perry also assured Mr Vara that MasterCard had every intention to continue in Peterborough and given that some of their work is of a seasonal nature, he hoped the impact on permanent staff would be kept to a minimum.

 

To the extent that there will be redundancies, Mr Vara sought assurances that the individuals affected would receive all the help possible to find alternative employment and where necessary individuals would be offered retraining. Mr Perry gave this assurance. He also confirmed that MasterCard would organise jobs fairs to which other local employers who are seeking to take on more people would be invited.

 

Mr Vara commented:

 

“I had a very constructive conversation with Mr Perry and whilst I remain disappointed that he will not provide a specific number of the people affected, he has given me his assurance that it is substantially less than the figure that has previously been referred to. I have made clear to Mr Perry that in the interests of transparency and certainty, he should disclose the number as soon as possible.

 

“It is of course regrettable that there will be some redundancies. I am however pleased that Mr Perry has given me his assurance that those affected will receive help to find alternative employment, including having jobs fairs to which other local employers will be invited. Additionally, Mr Perry has agreed to provide retraining for some individuals where it is appropriate to do so.”