How does it feel to be working while most people are sleeping?
In the second of a series following those who drive Britain’s 24-hour society through the small hours, we visit an all-night call centre. Arriving at First Direct in Leeds, the largely empty car park is ill-lit against the night sky. The reception to the firm – HSBC’s 24-hour phone banking arm – seems small, with its limited number of red and white chairs. But entering the open plan office, purpose-built in 1994, the sheer scale of the area is hard to digest. The desks alone cover 11,592 square metres, and it feels more like an aircraft hangar than a bank. On the night shift In pictures International flags are dotted throughout, reflecting HSBC’s global reach, while desks are personalised with photos and well-wishing messages. But conspicuously absent are workers. Except for two separate corners that hum with activity. People with headsets tap away on computers while talking to customers, as coloured numbers tick up and down on TV screens indicating call volume and service level. By mi
