BBC News | WALES | 1,300 call centre jobs lined up

Swansea-based First Line already employs 2,500 people - and the continuing growth of the mobile phone market means that number is now set to rise by another 500.

The Cardiff and Swansea call centres will be expanded and a new base set up at Cwmbran.

'Purple patch'

Meanwhile BT is expected to confirm its plans to create another 800 new jobs in the south Wales Valleys.

The telecommunications giant is building a new call centre on a former colliery site at Nantgarw.

These new announcements have increased the numbers employed in call centres in Wales to around 12,000.

The Welsh Development Agency now has a dedicated call centre team while further education colleges have set up centres to train prospective staff in the industry.

Welsh Assembly First Secretary Rhodri Morgan said service industries of this nature injected greater choice into the economy of Wales.

"We are currently in the middle of a 'purple patch' of call centres," he said.

'Comprehensive'

"We are successful because we deliver a comprehensive package to both indigenous and inward investing companies."

Local councillor Jonathan Huish said he welcomed the move.

"I am delighted that BT has chosen Nantgarw for this very important investment.

"The decision demonstrates that we can now compete successfully for high quality projects and I believe that this project will encourage other leading companies to invest here."


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