A FIGHT has begun to save the North-west's call centres from going abroad.

The region's CBI is throwing its weight behind a campaign to expand call centres in the UK - and reverse the trend of those jobs being moved to India.

There are 230 call centres in the North-west employing about 50,000 people.

CBI North West chief Damian Waters said: "Call centres are a thriving service sector and we need to ensure they continue to flourish in the UK economy. Obviously there are areas in the North-west - like Bolton - where the costs of setting up contact centres can be extremely competitive and we would urge our members to examine this option thoroughly before committing to an overseas operation."

Mr Waters cited the announcement of a £4.8 million call centre which is to be built in Barrow-in-Furness at a time when unions claim Britain has lost 8,500 call centre jobs to overseas countries since October.

Trade and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewitt has announced a study into UK call centre operations but has denied there is a crisis in the industry. The CBI believes the DTI probe can use the Barrow project as an example of how UK call centres can compete effectively with overseas operations.

"Companies are making global decisions about investment and this initiative is about making Barrow more competitive in an international stage," said Damian Waters.

"Our view is that many towns in the North West - Bolton included - have much to offer this industry, without the drawbacks which are becoming increasingly obvious with the Asian centres."