News of a new software development centre in Glasgow offers a “welcome boost to Scottish employment” and the country’s improving economy. Due to open in 2014, CGI’s Open Source Digital Services Centre will serve clients in Europe’s public and commercial sectors. In addition to providing around 250 skilled jobs for experienced technicians and managers, the new centre will create graduate and apprenticeship opportunities for individuals taking their first steps in a new career.
Scotland’s First Minister Alex Salmond is delighted with CGI’s investment in Scotland and believes the move is “testament to both the skill of the Scottish workforce and the confidence international companies have in Scotland as a country to invest in.”
The firm is equally excited about the move, with CGI UK president Tim Gregory stating: “The two main reasons we selected Glasgow as the location for our new centre were the talent pool of highly skilled professionals available in the area, and the support we received from the Scottish Government.”
Announcement of the Canadian firm’s investment comes just one week after Paris-based contact centre Teleperformance confirmed it would create around 1,000 new jobs in Glasgow, Erskine, Airdrie and Kilmarnock. The majority of the roles, ranging from customer service advisers to trainers and team managers, will be full-time positions, with over 60% of the roles based in Glasgow. Recruitment has already begun after the firm received Regional Selective Assistance of £2.9 million.
Alex Salmond said the firm’s investment in the country “further strengthened Scotland’s position as a leading destination for foreign and direct investment.” These boosts to Scotland’s employment and economy will no doubt have Alex brimming from cheek to cheek as he forges ahead with his independence plans, and if investment continues to pour in at this rate he could very well have a more solid case for breaking up our long-established union.
