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Barclaycard to close Wilton call center, slashing nearly 250 jobs

The credit card provider says its customer contact center on Weld Road will close March 31.

Barclaycard, Barclays' U.S. credit card business division, is closing its call center located in Wilton, Maine, eliminating more than 200 jobs.

The credit card provider notified Wilton's town manager Tuesday that it would be closing the doors to its facility located at 128 Weld Rd. on March 31.

A total of 227 workers are expected to be laid off.

"[We're] saddened to hear the news," Wilton's Board of Selectpersons said in a statement. "Barclays is one of the largest employees of Franklin County, so the impact will be felt through the county and the greater region."

In 2013, the customer service center announced the addition of 100 jobs, with an additional 100 promised by the end of 2014.

As of July, Barclaycard employed up to 500 employees in Wilton.

Gov. Janet Mills released a statement announcing she had directed the state's Department of Labor to support the employees, their families and the community, beginning with the deployment of a rapid response team.

"Wilton is a beautiful lakeside community, a great place to live and raise a family, and already has a willing and productive work force," Gov. Mills said. "I am confident other employers will see this change as an opportunity and will power their businesses with the hard workers of Franklin County."

A Barclays spokesperson said the announcement aligns with the company's global location strategy, which is focused on developing large-scale regional hubs that enable colleagues to work collaboratively and efficiently in order to deliver superior outcomes for customers, clients and shareholders.

According to the spokesperson, the following transition services will be offered to laid off employees: severance, job training funds, a laptop, resume writing, job search assistance and interviewing skills.

"This has been an incredibly difficult decision as we have a great team in Wilton who have done a tremendous job over the years supporting our company, customers and the local community," said Barclays US Consumer Bank CEO Lou Astolfi. "We are committed to supporting our colleagues through the transition with the dignity, respect and care they deserve."

Barclaycard was named Best Place to Work in Maine for 2013.

The center opened in 2008.

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Full statements:

Town of Wilton Board of Selectpersons

"The Town of Wilton Board of Selectpersons is saddened to hear the news of the closing of the Barclay Card Services Operation Center in Wilton on March 31, 2019. Our first concern is with the 227 employees of Barclays who will no longer be employed, and the Wilton Board of Selectpersons will work with outside agencies to provide the necessary services to the employees. The Selectpersons will hold an emergency meeting on Wednesday, January 9 at 6:00 pm at the Wilton Town Office to discuss the closure and make arrangements on providing services. 

"Barclays is one of the largest employees of Franklin County, so the impact will be felt through the County and the greater region. Barclays has been a great community neighbor and employer for the region during their years in Wilton, with employees providing countless hours of community service to various organizations in Wilton and Franklin County."

Barclays

"Barclays’ 227 colleagues in Wilton were told of the planned closing this afternoon. Since 2008, the center has provided customer service support for the company’s credit card operations in the United States. Today’s announcement is aligned with Barclays’ global location strategy, which is focused on developing large-scale regional hubs that enable colleagues to work collaboratively and efficiently in order to deliver superior outcomes for customers, clients and shareholders. 

"Wilton-based colleagues will continue to work at the center through the end of March 2019. In addition, they will be offered a full range of transition services including severance, funds to be used for job training, a laptop computer, and outplacement support such as resume writing, job search assistance, and interviewing skills.

"'This has been an incredibly difficult decision as we have a great team in Wilton who have done a tremendous job over the years supporting our company, customers and the local community,' said Lou Astolfi, Chief Operating Officer, Barclays US Consumer Bank. 'We are committed to supporting our colleagues through the transition with the dignity, respect and care they deserve.'"

"Barclays will continue to service its growing U.S. consumer business from its other locations in Hamilton, Ohio; Henderson, Nevada; Whippany, New Jersey; and Wilmington, Delaware."

Gov. Janet Mills

"This is deeply disappointing news that will have a profound impact on the community, the employees and their families,” said Governor Mills. “We will marshal the resources of the Department of Labor and other government agencies to support the employees, their families, and the community, beginning by deploying a rapid response team to meet with the employees to provide reemployment services and help evaluate their health insurance and severance options.

"Wilton is a beautiful lakeside community, a great place to live and raise a family, and already has a willing and productive work force,” Governor Mills added. “I am confident other employers will see this change as an opportunity and will power their businesses with the hard workers of Franklin County."

Acting Labor Commissioner Laura Fortman

"Governor Mills has directed the Department of Labor to use every available resource at our disposal to support these employees and assist their families during this difficult time and I fully intend to do so,” said Laura Fortman, Acting Commissioner of the Department of Labor. “The Department of Labor will help these employees seek every possible benefit to which they are entitled to help support their families while they seek new employment and will identify additional services the greater Franklin County can offer in partnership with the Department."

State Sen. Russell Black, R-Wilton

"It is unfortunate to hear about Barclaycard’s decision to shut down their operation here in Wilton. They have been an extremely valued member of our community, providing at least 300 jobs," Sen. Black wrote. "I have reached out to Governor Mills’ office and other area legislators to find out what we can do to help. In the meantime, here is a link for the Department of Labor. If anyone has difficulty qualifying for unemployment, please contact my office at 287-1505."

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