THE Government plans to tackle sickness rates of up to 35 per cent and high staff turnover in call centres in the North-west.

Trade and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewitt announced that a pilot scheme would be implemented in the region. The North-west has the highest number of call centres in the UK, with 650 around the region.

The £249,000 project will study access to occupational health services and how to improve the office environment.

The scheme's key aims are for lower sickness rates, better working conditions and higher productivity.