Letter: Call-centre stress
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: As a manager in one of the longest-running telephone call- centres, I read with interest Deborah Orr's article "Trouble at the 21st century mills" (23 November).
The view that call-centres undermine family values seems to rest upon an outdated view of the role of women.Work in call-centres is perfectly compatible with the provision of a supportive and loving environment for the upbringing of children. Indeed, the degree of independence and self- sufficiency given to women through working, and the flexibility of the shift system, may well be more conducive to a happy and sustainable family.
Regarding health risks, low paid, unskilled workers have always been at the mercy of exploitative employers. By contrast, conditions in call- centres are relatively benign.
Call-centres are just a contemporary manifestation of the age-long struggle between the needs of businesses to provide efficient service and that of employees to feel secure and valued.
ROBERT DAVIES
William Hill Organisation
Leeds
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments