Orange drops 'bombshell' on workers

The Communication Workers Union said staff at the site in Bristol broke down in tears after being told the grim news in a meeting with managers.

The company had to close the centre for the day because workers were so shocked and upset, according to the union.

"This bombshell is a betrayal of a loyal and hard-working workforce," said a union spokesman.

"People have struggled into work through appalling weather only to be told they are losing their jobs. We don't know if there will be any chance of deploying to other centres, but the nearest Orange call centre is in Plymouth."

The CWU said there had been rumours of job losses before the meeting, adding that no-one had expected "blanket" redundancies to be announced.