The Government has challenged the "myth" that call centres in the UK are in decline as thousands of jobs move to India. The move came as Trade and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewitt unveiled a new study into the global challenges facing the sector. This follows trade union concerns that thousands of jobs are being lost as companies switch such work to cheaper countries. Insurance giant Aviva has announced 2,350 call centre job cuts and there are fears that hundreds will be lost at sites dealing with rail inquiries. Ms Hewitt, who was visiting a Royal Bank of Scotland call centre in Bristol, said the new study was aimed at making sure the UK call centre industry responds successfully to overseas competition. She invited business and unions to contribute to a debate about "off-shoring" and announced that she will chair a special seminar in the new year. She also published a Government paper which stated that the UK was benefiting from the opportunities offered by the global market in services. Ms Hewitt risked a fresh clash with unions when she challenged the "myths" surrounding the current debate on call centre jobs. She insisted: "The fact is our service sector is thriving. We lead the world in financial services, accountancy, consultancy and business services."