New call centre jobs for Glasgow

The O2 centre is due to open in the autumn

The mobile phone firm O2 has announced plans to create 1,500 jobs in Glasgow by opening a new call centre.

The centre will be based in the Skypark business complex at Finnieston near the Clydeside Expressway.

It will boost the city's reputation as the call centre capital of Europe and adds to the 100-plus contact centres it already boasts.

The move follows US computer company Dell's announcement in February to create 850 call centre jobs.

More than 56,000 people in Scotland now work in call centres making it a major employment sector north of the border.

O2 is set to invest £18m in the Glasgow operation with an extra £7m expected to come from the Scottish Executive.

'Ringing endorsement'

Enterprise Minister Jim Wallace said: "There is no doubt that O2's decision to create 1,500 jobs over the next two years is a very significant announcement for Glasgow and Scotland.

"It is a ringing endorsement of what we can offer countries across the world."

The company also confirmed that it chose its new location ahead of other potential sites in the north of England, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

O2's general manager customer service Francesca Rea added: "This is a major vote of confidence in our business and the UK market.

"We believe we can differentiate and have more customers choosing O2 by investing in the people and resources to deliver an overall experience that customers will find superior."

The new 100,000 sq ft centre is due to open in the autumn and start handling live calls in November.