Thousands of jobs to be created in Scottish broadband sector boost

By ANDREW WHITAKER
Published on 09/10/2012 01:28

THOUSANDS of jobs will be created in Scotland’s broadband sector as part of a multi-billion pound investment programme, Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has promised.

• Nearly 15,000 jobs to be created in Scotland thanks to investment into giving more Scots broadband access, including those in remote areas

• Investment will also go towards jobs in areas such as e-commerce, engineering, social media and tourism

Nearly 15,000 jobs will be created in areas such as e-commerce, engineering, social media, tourism, laser technologies, cyber security and research and development, Ms Sturgeon said yesterday.

Almost a quarter of a billion pounds of Scottish Government cash is to be invested in the sector to deliver improved broadband access.

The package of investment includes a £120 million broadband boost for the Highlands and Islands, and £5m to help rural areas

gain access to broadband networks.

Scottish ministers say that the investment will also help job seekers, older people and those with disabilities gain access to employment.