With the threat of a further plunge into recession never far away from the minds of UK consumers and businesses alike, it is hardly surprising that everyone is still exercising a little more caution than they would have before the economy nosedived in 2008.
In fact, even the most successful businesses are being forced to continuously examine their marketing strategies and future plans as retail giant John Lewis demonstrated last week with the announcement that it would be getting rid of 325 store manager positions in its 28 nationwide commercial properties.
The Virgin Media announcement has been welcomed by Vince Cable
However, outside the retail industry things seem to be looking up as Virgin Media have announced plans to add to their already expanding workforce. Thanks to growing consumer demand for the company’s television and broadband services, 400 new jobs are being created across the UK – the majority of which will be in the customer service sector.
Swansea will be the major beneficiary of the Virgin Media employment boom, with 230 employees joining the 900 existing staff members in the customer service and technical support hub based there. Birmingham will also see 40 customer care positions created.
Meanwhile, the department in Wythenshawe, Manchester will soon begin advertising for 40 customer care employees and 90 new engineers.
The creation of highly skilled engineering jobs has been welcomed by the Government, as it means its aims of providing nationwide superfast broadband has become more achievable.
Business secretary Vince Cable said; “The digital communications industry drives growth and helps us to build a stronger economy.
“Today’s announcement will also support our ambition to provide faster broadband – in both cities and rural areas – giving more businesses access to the opportunities they need to grow.”
Chief customer and networks officer for Virgin Media, Paul Buttery, agrees that the expansion of the superfast broadband network has been one of the primary reasons for expanding employee numbers across the country. He believes that, by working together, Virgin Media and the Government will be able to provide technological advances to more communities over the coming years.
He says; “With this expansion Virgin Media will be even better able to support the government’s ambitions for the country.
“We are investing in the very communities we serve to ensure all our customers get the experience they expect from us as we power Britain’s digital heartbeat.”
The creation of so many jobs at once is largely due to the £15 billion takeover bid for Virgin Media by American cable providers Liberty Global. Its plans for aggressive expansion have seemed to work so far, with a growing number of consumers switching to the TV and broadband package from traditionally popular companies such as BT and Sky.
Last year, Virgin Media created 620 jobs in the UK and kicked off 2013 by announcing a further 60 opportunities in Glasgow. It also opened a “centre of excellence” on the Swansea Enterprise Park in July – one of the primary reasons for the massive employment drive still going on in the area.
Welsh secretary David Jones praised Virgin Media for its success in these difficult economic conditions, saying; “As an employer known for its solid performance, Virgin Media is proving that, although these are tough times for businesses, they are still able to grow and build.
“The news today will further boost the local economy with the creation of jobs in Swansea.”
Unlike many businesses in the UK, Virgin Media will continue to expand its network by keeping employment opportunities in the country rather than outsourcing positions in its telemarketing divisions overseas.
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This is great news! More jobs the better!