A care home in South Croydon that houses 38 elderly people is to shut with the loss of 77 jobs.

Oban House, in Bramley Hill, will close on November 30 for a full refurbishment because it is "not fit for purpose", according to union GMB.

Last year the home was at the centre of a scandal after BBC Panorama broadcast shocking footage of neglect, but was taken over by current provider Avery Healthcare in November last year.

April 2014: Croydon care home to feature in BBC investigation into care for the elderly

The company confirmed "with considerable regret" that the home is to close temporarily because "the building does not meet [our] environmental and safety standards".

It has launched a formal 30-day consultation with the union about making 59 carers, as well as 18 other staff, redundant.

Sheila Berry, GMB's regional organiser, said: "This is a shocking decision that has come totally out of the blue and has hit the residents and staff like a sledgehammer.

"We are very concerned what will happen to the residents of Oban House as the research says that forcing elderly, ill and vulnerable residents to move - especially those with dementia - has a serious effect on their life expectancy.

"Their needs should be put above all else and they must be treated with dignity and respect at all times."

Staff have been told they could re-apply for jobs at the home when the work - which will include refitting the bathrooms, kitchen, lifts and piping - is finished.

An Avery spokeswoman said: "The building does not meet the environmental and safety standards set by Avery, and converting it into a building fit for high quality care into the future is not achievable with the residents still living in the home.

"The scale of remedial works required would not provide a safe or healthy environment where frail and dependent residents live.

"Avery is focused on the future care and well-being of the remaining residents of Oban House, and is working with those residents, and their relatives."

She said the scale of the work required only emerged after it completed the purchase from previous owner HC One.

Croydon Council said it was responsible for the care of 12 people at the home.

A spokesman said: "Croydon Council is making sure that the 12 residents it is responsible for receive good personalised care while new homes are found for them.

"The council is also arranging needs assessments for another eight people."

Oban House was run by HC One when Panorama broadcast footage, filmed in 2012, of staff ignoring 98-year-old Yvonne Grant's cries for help.

Two members of staff were later convicted of common assault.

Do you have a family member at Oban House or do you work there? Call us on 0208 722 6351 or email chris.baynes@london.newsquest to tell us how you've been affected.