Letter: Workers on call

Sir: The development of call centres and flexible working generally will produce an increasingly stratified workforce. While a majority of people will still enjoy tenured employment, there will be an increasing contrast with the lower-paid and less secure.

The United States has provided the model. There are more jobs, but also increasing inequality, uncertainty and long hours for the lower paid.

There are benefits for employers and employees in flexible approaches to employment, but these must not be at the expense of a new disadvantaged group. It is the responsibility of government to provide a strong enough framework to ensure that this does not happen, which is likely to mean developing a European approach to labour relations.

JOHN ORFORD

Manchester