By Ian Findlay, industrial reporter

Tesco chief executive Sir Terry Leahy has given an assurance that company call centre staff in Dundee affected by a decision to switch some posts to a new site in India will have the chance to remain with the company, though not in the same jobs.

Support will also be provided by the company in finding jobs for those who do not wish to stay with Tesco.

In a letter to Dundee West MP Ernie Ross, Sir Terry also said Britain’s biggest retailer enjoys a good relationship with Dundee “and would not want to jeopardise this.”

Mr Ross said yesterday that, while he welcomed Tesco’s continued commitment to the city, he will continue to support employees and their trades unions campaigns to block the export of call centre jobs.

“Few can doubt that Tesco have demonstrated a commitment to Dundee since their purchase of Dundee-based Wm Low around 10 years ago. I will, however, continue to keep a close-eye on developments,” he said.

The Dundee West MP said no one should be in any doubt that Tesco’s Dundee workforce plays an important part in the continued success of the company, and that is something that should not be “overlooked.”

Tesco announced last month it is switching 30 jobs from its call centre site on Dryburgh Industrial Estate—which has a payroll of 300—to a new business support centre in Bangalore.

Mr Ross wrote to the company demanding assurances on jobs following the announcement.

Sir Terry has responded by saying the retail sector remains highly competitive not only in the UK but in the 10 other countries Tesco operates in.

He told Mr Ross that it is only through taking “tough decisions” like the call centre jobs switch that they are able to both keep pace with international competitors and grow their business.

“Indeed by remaining competitive and innovative, we will create an additional 13,500 jobs in the UK this year, and over 2000 new jobs specifically in Scotland,” he says.

Sir Terry says that in choosing Bangalore, Tesco was influenced by the Indian city being “in a good time zone for business with operations in Europe and in south-east Asia.”

“As you point out, it also offers sufficient skilled and trained staff in an environment that has been tried and tested by other companies, both UK and international,” he continues.

“The wages in our operations in India will vary, much as they (do) in Dundee, dependent on the role, level of skill and experience. I can assure you that our approach to the new centre will be the same as it is in any other part of business. We will be creating good jobs and careers in a world-class business.”

Elsewhere in his letter to Mr Ross, the Tesco chief says the company is “clearly committed” to Dundee with its three stores, distribution centre and head office operations employing over 1700.