NATIONWIDE'S main call centre in Swindon was officially re-opened yesterday by local MP Julia Drown after the company announced it was committed to keeping its call centres in the UK.

This clearly contrasts with the industry trend which has already seen the departure of thousands of financial services jobs to overseas call centres, at a cost to employees and local communities.

Indeed, a new report out today by specialist research firm Contact-babel, suggests that Indian call centres are in fact providing an inferior service to that supplied by their British counterparts.

The report concludes that staff in UK call centres answer more calls, resolve more queries, and are generally more experienced.

Labour costs abroad however, and especially in India, remain considerably lower, currently one ninth what they are in this country.

The Nationwide employs 450 people in Nationwide Direct, its main call centre based at the head office in Pipers Way, Swindon, handling on average more than 10,000 customer contacts a day.

Philip Williamson, chief executive said: "Nationwide Direct is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year so it is a great time to announce our commitment to remaining in Swindon and to re-open our new look call centre.

"This will provide our employees with an even better environment in which to work.

"We have a highly motivated and skilled workforce and we have no plans to desert Swindon in favour of overseas call centres."

Swindon South MP Julia Drown added: "This is great news for Swindon and we are delighted Nationwide is committed to investing further in its skilled staff and to staying in the UK."