HUNDREDS of jobs are under threat after a communications giant revealed it is moving out of Basingstoke.

Motorola Solutions, which has operated from the town for more than three decades, has announced it will move its European operations from its home in Jays Close into Central London - in a move which will affect approximately 250 employees of the company.

The American data communications and telecommunications provider becomes the third major employer in the borough to move its services away from the town, after energy firm SSE left Basingstoke in 2015, moving 600 jobs to Reading, and pharmaceutical company Shire quit last year, shifting 270 jobs to the capital.

A spokesperson for the company said: “We can confirm that Motorola Solutions plans to move its European, Middle East and Africa headquarters from Basingstoke to Central London.

“We are working closely with our employees through this relocation process. We are committed to our employees and do not anticipate lay-offs connected to this move. 

“When we moved into the facility over 30 years ago the purpose of the building was different and our business model has changed through the years.

“We are making the move based on our business needs to support our customers and gain efficiencies.

“The move of all functions out of Basingstoke will be completed by the end of 2018.”

Leader of Basingstoke Labour Group, Cllr Paul Harvey slammed the news, questioning why so many employers were opting to leave the town.

He said: “It’s deeply concerning that almost 300 jobs locally are under threat and the impact this could have on the lives of these employees. If they can’t afford the commute, they might not have jobs to go to.

“We are seeing this time and again. Shire, SSE – these are major employees and companies of this town just leaving. We have to get a grip on the local economy.

“Why and what is making them leave? Because this isn’t just one employer, there is a whole stream of major employees leaving.

Deputy leader of the Labour group councillor Mike Westbrook said: “It’s disturbing news. It will be a blow for our town and a concern as yet another major employer leaves.”

Leader of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, Cllr Clive Sanders said: "We understand that the decision is being taken as part of their overall plans to consolidate their offices, and that international businesses have to take these decisions from time to time for specific business reasons. It is not something that we can control or influence.

“As part of the town’s growing reputation for innovation and enterprise, we continue to work to attract technology companies and we are keen to support the development of this sector of our economy.

“Our borough is a great place to do business and this is reflected by the high levels of employment and business start-ups, and by the many businesses which are thriving, expanding and creating more jobs locally.

 “We will be looking at other interesting opportunities for Viables Business Park and elsewhere in the borough.”