| The move — made possible by a £1.25 million Regional Selective Assistance Grant from the Scottish Government — was welcomed by politicians and business leaders today.
However, the announcement is likely to be a bitter pill to swallow for over 400 Dundonians made redundant when Tesco mothballed its Dundee distribution centre last July.
The firm already has a call centre at Baird Avenue in Dundee that was named contact centre of the year in November’s Talking Tayside awards.
The operation, which currently fields over 10 million calls annually from Tesco.Com and Tesco Direct customers, also picked up gongs for its training scheme and work in the community.
The company estimates that expansion of the contact centre in Dundee will see call volumes rise to more than 17 million a year.
Tesco has already begun recruiting for new staff for the centre, with everything from call handlers to senior managers being sought.
Head of Customer Service Centres, Ian Naylor, said, “We are very pleased to announce a substantial number of new customer service jobs here at Dundee.
“As our business continues to grow, so do the standards of service our customers expect from us.
“We operate in a very demanding and fast-paced environment and will look to recruit staff of the highest calibre from the Dundee community and beyond.”
John Swinney, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth, said the new jobs were a welcome boost for the city.
He said, “This announcement represents a significant boost for Dundee — particularly at a time when food and fuel bills are rising and the wider economic position is uncertain.
“Three hundred new jobs will mean 300 more people with extra money to spend — which is good for the economy of Dundee and the surrounding area.
“We are determined to ensure all parts of Scotland — including Dundee — share in our goal of increasing, sustainable economic growth and it is clear new investment and job creation can only help us reach this goal.
“Tesco has been offered £1.25 million in support towards this project from the Scottish Government's Regional Selective Assistance scheme, although this offer has not yet been formally accepted.”
Dundee and Angus Chamber of Commerce President Gary Langlands said he was pleased to see new jobs coming to the city.
He said, “The Chamber of Commerce is delighted Tesco is bringing these jobs to Dundee. The call centre has worked very well for Tesco and the Dundee area is beginning to get a reputation as a good centre for call centre operations. In some way, it helps make up a little bit for the fact Tesco chose to take the distribution centre away.” |
