UK coupon firm moves 240 jobs to Poland

Around 240 jobs at the UK’s biggest coupon processing company are to be transferred to Poland, the company said today.

Valassis, which handles most of the UK’s annual 3.5 billion shopping coupons, said the jobs would be moved from its base in Corby, Northants.

The US-owned company, which processes the discount coupons for all the major supermarkets and newspapers, said the full and part-time jobs would be relocated by the middle of next year.

Staff, some of whom have been with the company for more than 30 years, have been offered the chance to follow their jobs to Poland, but bosses said they expect few to take up the offer.

A spokesman for the firm said the jobs affected will be mainly in its coupon processing operation.

Before then, an extensive consultation process will be undertaken with all those likely to be affected.

Charles D’Oyly, the managing director of Valassis UK, said the move was prompted by cheaper labour costs in Poland.

“We have taken this decision because of competitive pressures,” he said. “To look after the future viability of the business.

“This comes on the back of other industries taking this decision. There is nothing unusual.

“This was a painful and unpleasant decision, but one done for the good of our business and our customers.”

Mr D’Oyly said consultations were now being held with staff, who would be supported with help and advice on pensions and in getting new jobs.

He added: “This business has been in operation in Corby for 37 years. A number of our staff have worked with us for more than 20 years and in some cases for more than 30.

“We’ve always looked after our staff and we are going to go way above our statutory requirements to our staff.”