UK call centres have improved customer service, said Powergen

The company recruited 1,000 workers across the UK in 2006. Now the company has said it would look to take on more permanent and part-time staff.

Company spokesman Jamee Majeed said the move back to the UK had proved popular with customers.

"It's reflected in the fact that we've actually improved our customer service levels dramatically in the last year."

He added: "We've moved from last place into second in the Energywatch league table and that's a reflection of that strategy."

Powergen began using call centres in India in 2001 because of the financial benefits.

But last year managing director Nick Horler said the company believed customer service would improve by operating solely in the UK.

Jobs have since been created at Powergen centres in Bedford, Bolton, Leicester and Rayleigh in Essex as well as Nottingham.

Powergen is owned by the German utility group E.ON.