CUSTOMERS telephoning a catalogue firm in Bolton are having their inquiries diverted to a call centre - in India.

Staff at the depot in Banglador are answering calls from shoppers in Britain wanting to buy clothing or other items from catalogues.

The Indian call centre has been set up as a pilot scheme by catalogue company Reality.

But, today, news that callers from the UK are being answered by staff at a depot in India was criticised by union chiefs who claimed local jobs are at risk.

Reality employs 1,200 people at the Beehive Mill, Great Lever, and in Farnworth providing warehousing, delivery and contact centres for firms including Argos, Great Universal and White Arrow.

The Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers Union says the firm should be supporting jobs in this country instead of going abroad.

Staff at Reality fear that using cheaper call centres in India could lead to job losses in Bolton.

One said: "We are all worried. There have been a number of redundancies recently and we are all concerned about our jobs.

"We are also angry. We feel it is out of order."

A spokesman for USDAW said: "Reality say this is a trial but it is obviously causing grave concerns for people. Customers are definitely being

answered in India and we are trying to get to the bottom of it but they are not being very co-operative."

The union spokesman added: "This is totally unacceptable. Our objection is that we are fundamentally against British jobs going to low paid economies.

"There is a concern that business is being diverted to call centres in India where they can pay peanuts. With modern technology it is all too easy."

A spokeswoman for Reality said the firm is looking to find alternative call centre support for customers ordering from Kays, Choice, and Great Universal catalogues.

"There is a pilot scheme in progress which is due to end in August in which Reality has 50 places at a call centre in Banglador in India."

She added: "A number of UK-based companies already operate successful overseas call centres because it is cost effective. This is part of a growth strategy."