Foundever to close Plymouth call center, impacting jobs in UK

PLYMOUTH, ENGLAND — Foundever, previously known as Sitel, has announced the closure of its Plymouth call center, putting up to 170 jobs at risk.
The decision comes as the company reallocates resources from its United Kingdom operations to key accounts like John Lewis, Waitrose, and Virgin Media, while maintaining client relationships through other locations.
“After careful consideration, we have made the difficult but necessary decision to close our Plymouth site, transitioning staff to work from home wherever possible and moving operations to other Foundever locations,” a Foundever spokesperson stated.
Impact on local workforce and economy
Foundever’s decision to close the Mast House site follows a reallocation of resources on some accounts. Staff on these accounts face significant cuts, with the John Lewis campaign potentially reduced from 120 to approximately 60 employees. All 108 workers on the Virgin Media account are also at risk.
The closure has been met with sorrow, described as “dreadful news.” This follows previous redundancies at Foundever’s Mast House center and Dix’s Field in Exeter, cutting a number of employees.
Despite these challenges, Foundever remains committed to delivering high-quality customer service. The company is supporting affected staff during this transition, offering assistance throughout the consultation process.
A Foundever spokesperson emphasized the company’s commitment to exceptional customer experiences, stating that changes are made with this goal in mind.
“We recognize the impact this decision has on our employees and are taking all possible steps to support them during this time. All affected employees have been informed, and we are working closely with them to provide assistance throughout this process.”
Foundever’s strategic realignment
Despite the Plymouth site closure, the company continues to service clients like John Lewis and Virgin Media through other locations.
This strategic move aligns with Foundever’s goal of providing exceptional customer experiences globally.
Foundever’s decision reflects broader industry trends toward remote work and operational consolidation. The company aims to maintain strong client relationships while navigating market challenges.
The company recently ranked #49 in the OA500 2025, an objective index of the world’s top 500 outsourcing companies. By focusing on seamless omnichannel support, Foundever seeks to deliver competitive advantages for its clients.
Foundever’s implementation of this closure lies within their strategy to transform their operations for new market requirements as the company remains committed to its core mission of delivering exceptional customer experiences for leading brands worldwide.