ENERGY giant Powergen is to scrap its overseas call centres in favour of British offices - including one in Bolton.

The move follows complaints from customers. The firm also believes it will be easier to manage and train staff in Britain.

Powergen started using Indian call centres almost five years ago but from today all calls from this country will be answered at five call centres in Bedford, Leicester, Nottingham, Rayleigh in Essex, and Bolton.

Some calls and letters will continue to be made and sent from India, but this will stop at the end of the year.

A Powergen spokesman said: "Offshore call centres may have their place for certain industries. However, we believe that we can best achieve industry-leading customer service by operating solely in Britain.

Confident

"When customers contact us they need to be confident that their query will be fully resolved quickly.

"Although the cost of overseas outsourcing can be low, we're simply not prepared to achieve savings at the risk or expense of customer satisfaction."

Eddy Parker, from the Lancashire branch of the GMB Union which represents many call centre workers, said: "We welcome Powergen's announcement of jobs for the United Kingdom.

"The energy industry needs to be kept accountable and responsible and if the firm's customers want their call centres to be kept here, then Powergen is certainly right to fulfil that request.

"This sends a very positive message to our members that they are valued. Let's hope that the other energy companies take notice," he said.