CWU members protest outside the AGM

Unions have been angered by BT's plans to open a new call centre in India.

"The export of call centre jobs hurts the most vulnerable section of the workforce in the poorest regions of the country," said Communication Workers Union (CWU) general secretary Billy Hayes.

The union said more than 200,000 jobs could be exported from the UK over the next five years.

Growing trend

Earlier this year BT caused controversy when it announced plans to create 2,200 customer service jobs in India.

We have 21st century technology being used to transfer work outside the UK which is totally unacceptable Billy Hayes, Communication Workers Union

Outsourcing customer service and IT maintenance work to India has become increasingly popular among UK firms as they seek to take advantage of the country's skilled workforce and low labour costs.

BT has said no permanent employees will lose their jobs as a result of work being transferred to India.

In a statement issued last month, BT said its plans for India were "measured and responsible" and were designed to make it "more competitive and better able to serve our customers".

"This, in the long term, is critical to safeguard jobs in the UK," the company added.

'Unacceptable'

But the CWU said BT should keep its workforce in the UK.

"We have 21st century technology being used to transfer work outside the UK which is totally unacceptable," Mr Hayes said.

"We are looking to defend our members' jobs in this country."

The CWU said workers in India were paid about 70p an hour - much less than their UK counterparts.

And it said while BT would enjoy a cheaper wage bill, BT customers were unlikely to see their charges cut.