Tesco creates 200 new finance jobs

TESCO has announced that it is to create 200 jobs within its financial services division in Glasgow.

The Tesco Bank jobs are to be made ahead of the launch of the company's new mortgage business in the summer next year.

Tesco Bank has signed a five-year agreement with Vertex, who will hire the workers during the next two years.

The staff will be based at Atlantic Quay in Glasgow and will work in customer service and sales for the mortgage business.

Benny Higgins, chief executive of Tesco Bank, said: "We are focused on designing mortgage products that are consistent with the Tesco brand; namely, products that are simple, transparent and reward customer loyalty. We are making good progress and plan to submit our proposals to the FSA next month.

"We have been very impressed with the quality of applicants we have seen for our Broadway One office in Glasgow and firmly believe that this is also the right location for customer sales and service staff for our mortgage business.

"Customer service is central to Tesco as a group and these will be crucial roles for the business as we look to enter the mortgage market next year."

First Minister Alex Salmond said he was "delighted" that Tesco Bank was creating the new jobs.

He said: "I welcome Tesco Bank's plans to further increase their presence in Scotland as the company moves into the mortgage market.

"This announcement reinforces the message that Scotland has not only the infrastructure, but the skills and talent to deliver success in the financial services industry.

"The Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Development International continue to work hard to deliver jobs and investment to communities across the country. This is great news for Glasgow and for our continually-growing financial sector."