War of words between staff and ITVdigital (From Western Telegraph)

War of words between staff and ITVdigital

The rebranding of one of Pembrokeshires biggest employers has generated a war of words between management and staff.

Employees have handled thousands of calls in a month when ONdigital has been renamed ITVdigital.

Some say they were denied regular breaks and that requests for job security assurances have yet to be granted. Assurances had been sought because industry analysts doubt whether the network which owns ITVdigital will maintain its investment in this digital television arm.

ITVdigital says both allegations are untrue and has reaffirmed its commitment to the Pembroke Dock call centre.

The company says every member of staff received an assurance that their jobs were safe via an intranet memo and notices posted around the call centre three weeks ago.

It has dismissed rumours that British Airways is lining up to take over the building.

There has been regular dialogue with staff, we are very committed to our customer contact centre at Pembroke Dock, said a spokesman. He emphasised that staff are encouraged to take regular breaks and this policy remained in place during the changeover.

We are aware that the last few weeks have been extremely busy, staff have handled thousands of extra calls, he added.

During this time no member of staff was denied a break when they were entitled to one. As an employer we have to adhere to this policy, it is important not only from a Health and Safety point of view but also to maintain performance levels.

The management acknowledge that it has been a busy period and appreciate the efforts staff have put in. It has been a job well done.

ITVdigital, a pay-TV platform, is jointly owned by Granada and Carlton.