WORKERS at Hereford's BT call centre, facing closure next year, received a further blow last week with the announcement the company was moving some of its work to India.

With 77 of the 120 jobs at the centre already under the axe, news that BT is to expand into India rather than developing its UK operation caused union anger and a call for a day of action next week.

Make a stand

Communication Workers Union national officer Sally Bridge said: "We are prepared to make a stand on this issue," she said.

"It is the hard-working employees who have delivered the company a 37 per cent profits rise and a 90 per cent customer satisfaction level."

"They do not deserve to be treated this way."

Though the 43 permanent staff at the Barton Road centre will be offered alternative employment when the "192" inquiry centre closes sometime between 2004 and 2006, the CWU claims that the two Indian centres represent a long-term threat to jobs nationwide.

CWU deputy general secretary, Jeannie Drake said more jobs are at risk.

"There are 700 jobs at risk today but the other 1,800 directory jobs could be at risk tomorrow," she said.

The union is organising a demonstration at the Barton Road offices from 11am to 2pm on Thursday, March 20, as part of a national protest over BT's plans.