It used to be that UK students would spend the summer working in a call centre to raise the funds to go travelling, but now they are going travelling to work in a call centre. Indian outsourcing firms, including HSBC's Indian operation, have started employing UK backpackers on local wages to work in their call centres. Apparently the firms reckon UK staff will provide Indian colleagues with the cultural tips needed to better interact with British callers. But given the state of your average Brit student after a few months sampling the dubious delights of Goa, Sneak is not sure the ultra-professional Indian outsourcers know quite what they are getting themselves into.

29 Apr 2005