Some call centres still resemble "satanic mills" despite moves to improve working conditions, a new report claims.
Research commissioned by the Health and Safety Executive found that many workers in the growing sector were treated like a "cog in a machine" with low wages, poor working conditions and highly repetitive duties.
Workers complained about being "tied" to their telephone, unable to take regular breaks and with little autonomy over their working day.
This confirmed previous surveys that showed some employees had to put up their hands for permission to use the toilet.
People working for telecom and IT firms showed the highest levels of depression.
But the survey of more than 1,000 call centre employees across the UK also found high levels of satisfaction among some staff.
Thursday January 08, 2004
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article