New call centre brings 400 jobs

The centre could be open by the end of the year

A High Street Bank has said it will create more than 400 jobs at a new call centre in south Wales.

The move will mean Lloyds TSB will have three customer response bases in Wales.

The bank already has two call centres in Wales

Lloyds TSB already employs nearly 2,000 people in Wales at call centres in Newport and Swansea.

The bank has now announced it wants to build a third base at Pencoed near Bridgend.

Over 400 customer service advisers will be employed at the multi-million pound complex.

Planning permission has already been given but final negotiations are still underway.

It is thought work could begin as early as next month with the centre being fully operational by the end of the year.

The WDA, which is supporting the bank, says the project is a major boost for the region and proof that Wales is a popular choice for phone-service-based businesses.

Flagship centre

Last week, One 2 One's new flagship mobile phone call centre at Merthyr Tydfil opened for business.

The new investment has created hundreds of jobs for the area, which has been regarded as an unemployment blackspot.

The German-owned company is creating 1,000 jobs at the centre, which was set up in just five months.

Up to 500 staff will be in place by December, with the remaining recruits starting next year.