A WREXHAM-based data firm has confirmed plans to press ahead with closure following a period of consultation.

International company Refinitiv announced in October that it was going to shut its base in Redwither Tower on the Wrexham Industrial Estate, with the loss of up to 300 jobs.

The company's management has stuck to its original plan, despite the best efforts of the Welsh Government to convince the firm to change course.

Economy Secretary Ken Skates, AM for Clwyd South, said: “It is deeply disappointing to hear that following the consultation period Refinitiv has decided to press ahead with its closure plans, with the loss of 300 jobs here in Wales.

"Our focus is now unwavering in helping those facing redundancy to find alternative employment.

“My department has for some time been working with contacts and key support partners making preparations for this eventuality, and our comprehensive ReAct programme will now be deployed.

“This is an extremely difficult and uncertain time for all workers at Refinitiv and I can give them my absolute commitment that Welsh Government will continue to do everything possible to help this skilled workforce find alternative employment.”

Both the Welsh Government and Wrexham Council, which owns Redwither Tower, plan to work closely to take a Task Force approach in providing assistance to those affected.

Refinitiv was formerly the Financial and Risk business of Thomas Reuters.

At the time of the announcement Louis Auty, the company’s external communications manager, said: “As Refinitiv stands up as a new, stand alone organisation focused on financial markets, we want to ensure we have the right people in the right places to drive results for our customers in a highly competitive environment.

“As a result we intend to close our site in Wrexham.

“We recognise the impact this would have on the Wrexham community and we are in close dialogue with our Wrexham-based colleagues and their representatives.

“We are committed to ensuring those affected are properly supported through this process.”

Wrexham politicians Ian Lucas MP and Lesley Griffiths AM, were both angry about the announcement.

Mr Lucas said at the time: “I am shocked and disappointed by the way a loyal and skilled workforce is being cast aside and have communicated my opinion of the business direct to them."

Ms Griffiths added: "I was shocked and remain extremely disappointed by Refinitiv’s decision to close its Wrexham site."

Cllr Terry Evans, Wrexham Council’s lead member for economy, said: “It’s really sad for the workers to lose their jobs, especially coming up to Christmas.

“The economic team will be working with them, doing all they possibly can and we wish them all the best in finding new employment.”

Wrexham Council leader Mark Pritchard said the announcement was “devastating”.

He added: “They are well paid jobs too and they’re a good company which we worked with in the early days to locate them within Redwither Tower.”