COUNCIL bosses will next week meet representatives from Shop Direct after the firm announced plans to close its Burnley call centre with the loss of 420 jobs.

Staff at the Kingsway office, formerly GUS, were told on Thursday of the proposals. A 90-day consultation with workers has now begun.

Burnley Council has secured a meeting with Shop Direct next week in the hope of saving jobs.

Chief executive Steve Rumbelow said the countil wanted “to get more of an understanding of the company's position and plans and examine any opportunities to mitigate the impact of the decision.

“The council will give whatever support it can to those affected by this terrible news.”

Council leader Gordon Birtwistle said town hall officers were already working with Burnley’s Jobcentre Plus and other organisations to help staff find new jobs.

Meanwhile, officials from the Usdaw union were yesterday locked in talks with Shop Direct bosses as they seek to minimise the impact of job losses.