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Saved by the Bell? Call Centres and Economic Development in Less Favoured Regions

Vicki Belt

Centre for Urban and Regional Development Studies, Newcastle upon Tyne

This article considers the role of call centres in the economic development of less favoured regions (LFRs). It suggests that call centres represent a new form of mobile service work which these regions are increasingly seeking to attract. It considers the factors which are important in attracting this work. It then explores the policies adopted by two LFRs which have been reasonably successful in doing so. It suggests that there are a number of benefits from the attraction of call centres, particularly employment opportunities not otherwise available in such regions. It also strikes a note of caution, however, questioning, in particular, whether these jobs will last.

Key Words: call centres • information and communications technology • regional economic development • rural development

Economic and Industrial Democracy, Vol. 22, No. 1, 67-98 (2001)
DOI: 10.1177/0143831X01221004


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