Not being able to ring a call centre based in the UK is the nation's biggest customer service bugbear, according to new Which? research.
As part of the consumer champion's annual customer service survey of 100 major UK brands, more than 3,500 consumers were asked what made them see red about the companies and shops they use.

Nearly half (46%) of people said they were irritated by call centres not being based in the UK. A little more than a third, 36%, dislike automated telephone systems, while 32% were annoyed when passed around lots of different people.

Customers gave a thumbs-up to friendly or helpful staff (53%), staff with good product or service knowledge (29%) and speed of service (29%.)

Which? said that with call centres and telephone systems the biggest customer service gripes by far, "firms need to up their game. Those that don't give customers the care and attention they deserve risk losing out to their competitors."