Letter: Call centres are no substitute for industry

Letter: Not so very long ago some people in positions of authority in this town were claiming call centres as the new industry in the very "birthplace of industry".

Money was poured into training courses and people acquired NVQs in "putting people on hold" and so on.

Could none of these supposed visionaries see that this idea had no future – a call centre can be anywhere in the world and will go where labour is cheapest.

A few companies proudly say "UK call centres" as a marketing ploy but high minimum wages here make UK call centres expensive.

Call centres do not create wealth, the only way this town and this country will recover its prosperity is to start making things again.

As a small business owner I am appalled at the standard of job applicants, many are barely literate or numerate yet equipped with a stack of "Toytown" qualifications and a belief they can start at the top and work when they feel like it.

Responsibility lies with the education system, the policy makers who foster a no one fails" culture and the UK slides into mediocrity.

Peter Allgood

Allgood Technology Ltd

Telford