300 ScottishPower call centre jobs in Glasgow unveiled

SCOTTISHPOWER is creating 300 call centre jobs in Glasgow in a deal worth £20 million to outsourcing firm Response UK over a three-year contract. Response will handle calls from the company’s electricity and gas customers.

Neil Clitheroe, head of retail and generation at the utility group, said: “The Glasgow area has a strong talent pool that is attractive for recruiters and we are delighted to be able to continue to offer employment opportunities in the city.”

Brian Bannatyne, managing director at Response, said the firm was “excited about our new partnership with ScottishPower”.

ScottishPower has also handed a contract to Irish group Sierra Support Services to provide an extra 40 staff for its boiler maintenance service.

Chairman and chief executive Ignacio Galán said: “Despite global financial uncertainty, the energy sector has the potential to become an engine of economic growth and recovery. Indeed, more than ever, the industry’s role as driver of investment and job creation will be crucial for future prosperity.”

Galán’s announcement coincided with his appearance at the Scottish Low Carbon Investment conference in Edinburgh.

ScottishPower, owned by Spanish group Iberdrola, is investing some £6 billion in the electricity network across central and southern Scotland over the next eight years, in a move that is expected to create up to 1,500 jobs.

About 300 engineers, apprentices and trainee positions were announced in February. Last month, the company welcomed more than 100 graduates, apprentices and students.