There were tears, hugging, and a hint of laughter as some BT-EE workers came off their shift this afternoon on the last day of operations at the Enniskillen site.

The contact centre closes today [Thursday, October 31] and for those that have signed up to a Voluntary Paid Leavers (VPL) scheme, this will be their "last working day", while December 31 will be their "last day of service". 

For those who did not sign up for the scheme, October 31 will be their "last day of service". 

The closure of the centre was announced in February and has resulted in the loss of around 300 jobs. 

Staff were emotional as they walked out the door, some taking a moment to look up at the big white building which has dominated Enniskillen's landscape for one last time. 

Many were moved to tears as they hugged their colleagues and one team all gathered in a large group hug. 

There was laughter as some shared memories of a workplace where they all treasured.

Fiona Benson, who has worked for the company since  1996 said: "It does break your heart, over half my life has been spent in this building.

"It has been such a staple in Enniskillen as far as individuals and the town as there will be less finance for the town."

"When I switched off my computer for the last time, I was like 'oh my gosh', I will never be in this building again."

Harry Scott, who has worked for 17 months for BT-EE said: "I didn't expect to be here for such a short time. I have had good times here and fun times.

When asked what he will miss most about his job he said: "I am going to have to say,  I will miss Dawn, my team leader, the most. I will miss my colleagues and all the fun we had."

He shared an anecdote which gave an insight into the fun and laughter behind the scenes in BT where he and his colleague acted out a scene from Elf for a competition.

As he told this story, laughter erupted around him as his fellow teammates remembered the good times.

The resounding note from this sad day for staff is that they will all miss their friends and colleagues, James Graydon-Rhodes echoed this when he spoke to The Impartial Reporter: "I have been here four-and-a half years and this was going to just be a job but I met these amazing guys and I think I would have been in the job long into the future had we not had the decision made for us. 

"It has been an honour working with everybody and that is the most important thing, I have made some lifelong friends."

Dawn McVitty who has worked for BT for 30 years said: "It is very emotional, 30 years is a long time in one job. We have been through a lot together and had a lot of good times. It's the end of an era."