More than 200 call centre jobs in Belfast and Armagh are set to be axed, it has been revealed.

HCL BPO Services (Northern Ireland) announced a 90-day consultation period involving up to 425 people being put at risk of redundancy, including 170 in Armagh where its offices are to close.

A statement by the Indian-owned firm said they expected to find alternative employment for around 40% of those under threat of losing their jobs.

The firm set up in Northern Ireland in 2002 and has a workforce of around 800.

General manager Anita Barnard insisted the company was still committed to the long-term development of its centre of excellence and over the next five years planned to invest in new technologies.

She added: "While customers at different times may move work in or out of our locations in accordance with their needs, our business plans are firmly focused on investing in our capabilities in Northern Ireland."