AROUND 150 jobs are at risk at an East Lancashire holiday firm, according to bosses.

Awaze, the the parent company at Hoseasons and cottages.com, has announced plans to move its UK headquarters to Manchester.

The company is set to consult with around 300 staff, many of whom are at its base in Earby, which is set to close.

Some roles will move to home-working while some new roles will be recruited at the company’s Lowestoft office in Suffolk, which will become a contact centre for customers and homeowner operations.

A spokesman for Awaze UK said: “Over the past few months we have been reviewing the operational needs of the business with the objective of simplifying the way the company supports both its customers and owners.

"This included a full review of our operational footprint across the UK.

"As a result we are proposing a small number of office closures.

"Unfortunately Earby is one of the sites at risk.

"The closure could result in some job losses and also a new home-working model for employees based out of these locations.

"We are currently consulting with those employees who may be affected at this difficult time.”

Meanwhile, it has been reported that the parent company Awaze also plans to close its office in Exeter, which has around 20 staff, and smaller offices in Dartmouth, Grassington and Leyburne, where a handful of employees are based.

A number of these staff will be retained to help service local cottage owners.

Six other smaller offices will remain open, as will Lowestoft. They are: Arran, Alnwick, Whitby, Keswick, Windermere and Salcombe.

The company expects to retain about half of the staff in consultation by allowing them to work remotely or relocate to its new ‘centre of excellence’ in Manchester, due to open by October 1.

Andrew Stephenson MP for Pendle said it was a blow for the area especially with potential job losses at Rolls-Royce in Barnoldswick being announced recently.

He said: "It is devastating news. I was in contact with the company CEO in recent weeks and can appreciate the significant difficulties in the tourism sector.

"I am sad that we were not consulted at the time about job losses and this will affect people from the area who work there and walk to work.

"I am going to be in contact with the management to see if a solution can be provided."

Cllr David Whipp, who represents the area, said: "I am appalled at the way local staff are being treated by the company and virtually dismissed as country bumpkins by Hoseason's CEO.

"This is no way to treat loyal employees who've been with the company in its many iterations for several years.

"Together with the leader and chief executive of Pendle Council, I've requested an urgent meeting with the company.

"I'll be urging the company to retain its presence in Earby, with the excellent and dedicated staff that they have.

"If they go ahead with pulling out of Earby, not only will it be a blow for people directly affected, but for the whole area.

"Especially following the loss of hi-tech jobs in the aerospace sector."