India Calling

[Halifax Lass]

 

Yesterday I received a text message asking me to call my bank, Lloyds TSB, an 0800 number was given.

 

I called the number and was given the 'third degree' by someone who had great difficulty understanding what I was saying. (Yes Invis I know I'm a "Northener" but as it happens I don't have a Yorkshire accent)!

 

After 5 minutes of confusing conversation I asked where I was calling. INDIA was the reply!!!!! I hung up.

 

What has annoyed me is that Lloyds are getting a call centre in India to handle their business. I don't agree with companies doing this and will investigate other banks until I find one that gives employment to people in Britain and then move my account to them.

 

Many of the call centres over here were set up in areas that have suffered from mass unemployment through the decline of traditonal industries. Areas such as the North East, West and South Yorkshire. Maybe if everyone did this companies like Lloyds and Norwich Union would think again.

 

Rant over!! <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

[Big J R]

Very interesting Lass.

 

'Er Indoors and me use BtInternet, and their 'help-line' is based in India.

 

I have to say, apart from the accent problem, their technical skill and advice was second to none on the two occasions we have had to call them !

 

I'm afraid this India call-centre something we have to accept now, on a 'cost' basis !

[American FLEET FAN No1]

Could be worse..........your call could be routed to America.........I was asked by an Immigration Official yesterday if i understood English......I said..."I thought i did ...until i came to this Country!"

[Big J R]

How did it go Les ???????????????

 

Are you a fully fledged Yank yet ???????????????????

 

Incidently, the generic North American cannot speak OR spell English.

 

Personally - I think you should hand the country back to it's rightfull owners - the Red Indians !

[Burnham Lad]

The interesting thing Halifax Lass is that the Indian call centres have been so successful that they are starting o run into a skills shortage.....

 

Incidentally, the difficult question to ask your Bank is can they tell you how using an Indian call centre ensures that your private data is protected under the European Data Protection rules, when India is not a member of the EU. It is illegal to transfer data to a country outside the EU. See what kind of Bullsh*t reply you get!

 

Also, the only reason that the Indian Call centres are cheaper is because they get paid peanuts and do not have to observe any of the rights that British workers get, Health and Safety, Parental Leave, paid time off etc, etc.