Office merger blamed on downturn

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Nearly 100 staff at a contact centre for a business information firm have been offered a relocation across south Wales.

Staff at Marketsafe UK in Bridgend have been offered the opportunity to move to the company's premises in Caerphilly.

The company said there had been an "operational review."

One worker said letters were given to 92 staff at Bridgend and there were worries about whether there was enough room for them if all chose to move.

Creditsafe, which owns the firm, blamed the merger on the economic downturn.

Marketsafe UK opened in Bridgend in January 2005 offering businesses information about other companies.

Its website says staff work in teams dealing with customer care, finance, product development, marketing and IT.

A spokesperson for the company said: "We can confirm that following an operational review the Creditsafe Group has decided to relocate the Marketsafe operation from its current site in Bridgend to the company's offices in Caerphilly.

I would like to see them try and fit 92 staff into the other offices they have Marketsafe UK worker

"This decision has been made in agreement with the Welsh assembly.

"In these difficult economic times we are looking to protect our operation and employees and to take advantage of the synergies arising from bringing our operations together.

"Our employees at Bridgend have been offered the opportunity to re-locate to Caerphilly and negotiations have commenced with employees to ensure they are supported throughout this transition."