HM Revenue and Customs opens new call centre creating 350 jobs

by Sarah Johnson, Marketing Direct 10-Sep-08, 11:10

LONDON - HM Revenue and Customs has bucked the trend for call centre closures and is opening a contact centre in Cumbria, which will create 350 new jobs.

The revenue and customs department currently has 20 contact centres across the UK to handle calls relating to self assessment, PAYE and tax credits.

Linda Maslen, head of HMRC contact centres, said: “This is very good news for the region. The opening of this new contact centre brings great opportunities.”

West Cumbria Development Agency director, Tim Hirst, said: “This is an excellent employment opportunity to improve the economic prospects for West Cumbria.”

Recruitment for the 350 new jobs is currently underway. The salary being offered is in the region of £15,262, pay award pending.

Several call centres have been closed in the UK this year, the most recent were in the Travel sector. Both Thomas Cook and Qantas closed UK call centres this month.