More than 1,000 new jobs at call centres could be snapped up by unskilled employment-seekers across south east Essex by this time next year, research has revealed.

Southend is home to several dedicated call centres which, together with Rochford and Castle Point, employ an estimated 4,000 people.

But more work could soon be on the way, according to speakers at a seminar hosted by Southend Council.

The issues were tackled by delegates to a half day event hosted by the South East Economic Development Strategy in Southend.

Val Bate, from Southend Council's economic development unit, said: "A survey has shown big increases in these jobs across the country for 2001, and that will almost certainly mean more jobs in south Essex.

"All the speakers at the seminar pinpointed call centre work as a main growth sector and many employers offer their own training.

"The main skills they are looking for are a good telephone manner, the ability to type at around 30 words a minute - and a basic willingness to learn."

Research has indicated the sector is growing at a rate of 32 per cent a year - which would mean 1,280 jobs created in Southend, Rochford and Castle Point.

The meeting provided a platform for call centre employers and companies looking at adding a call centre to their business to discuss what skills are required for the job.

They were also briefed on the key issues of retaining workers and what future technological developments are on the cards.

The seminar was staged at Southend Tennis and Leisure Centre in Eastern Avenue, Southend and was sponsored by Adecco, BT, Essex Tec, HSBC, Manpower, Royal Bank of Scotland and South East Essex College.

Anybody interested in becoming involved in the development of the Strategy for South East Essex can call Val Bate at the economic development unit, Southend Council on 01702 215596.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.