A NEWTOWN-based company has confirmed plans to close with the loss of 180 jobs.
Shop Direct (formerly known as Littlewoods Home Shopping) has confirmed it plans to close three of its call centres - Newtown, Sunderland and Burnley - with the total loss of 1,500 jobs.
The Home Shopping Group employs 180 people in Newtown, 900 in Sunderland and 450 in Burnley.
They have blamed the announcement on the increasing number of people now choosing to shop online rather than phoning to speak to its operatives.
Shop Direct chief executive, Mark Newton-Jones, today said: "We recognise this is a very difficult time for those teams affected by the proposed contact centre closures.
The GMB union have described the news as a "devastating blow" for the affected local communities.
Mike Hooper, GMB Regional Officer, said: "This announcement is a body blow.
"We will be seeking help from elected representatives and other government agencies to see what can be done to save jobs."
The Shop Direct Group includes the former catalogue shopping giants of Littlewoods, Great Universal and Kays.
It also bought the Woolworths name in the UK following the company's closure, which has been turned into an internet retailer.