MORE than 800 jobs in Burnley call centre are to be safeguarded following a Government decision to allow a merger.

Patricia Hewitt, Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, has decided to allow March UK, owned by the Barclay Brothers, to take over the GUS home shopping business.

The business includes a call centre in Kingsway, Burnley, which employs 816 staff.

The announcement, which follows an investigation by the Competition Commission, has been welcomed by Burnley MP Peter Pike and representatives from shop workers union USDAW, which represents the staff.

Workers in Burnley, along with 19,000 others nationwide, had feared for their jobs since the business was bought by Barclay brothers Sir David and Sir Frederick, who already owned the Littlewoods catalogue and mail order business.

The Competition Commission was called in to investigate whether the takeover would have an adverse effect on competition.

Their report, published yesterday, concluded the merger did not operate against the public interest.

Mr Pike said today: "This really is welcome news and will safeguard hundreds of jobs. I am delighted by the announcement and I know it will be a great relief to many of my constituents and their families."

USDAW general secretary, Sir Bill Connor, said: "This is great news for our members. Usdaw has always maintained that this deal was in the best interests of the workers.

"The home shopping sector has got its problems in the retail industry but this decision will ensure mMarch UK can compete more effectively.

"Our aim now will be to work with March UK to safeguard the best interests of our members."