THERE WAS some good news for the Government on the employment front yesterday with UK satellite broadcaster BSkyB announcing plans to create more than 800 jobs in Dublin by early 2014.
These will be based at a new customer support centre that will open in August. Sky said this would allow it to service its Irish customer base from one dedicated site for the first time.
The company, which is controlled by media baron Rupert Murdoch, said yesterday it would begin recruitment immediately as part of a drive to take on an additional 1,300 staff in Ireland and the UK.
The roles will range from customer service manager and adviser roles to training, coaching and human resources jobs. The customer support services involved were previously provided by Sky staff in Scotland.
The new jobs are expected to bring the total staff count at Sky in Ireland to more than 900 in two years’ time. The company also has a contract with Cork-based Abtran to provide customer sales and retention support. This involves more than 150 people.
The new customer support centre will be based at offices in Burlington Plaza, which is close to Donnybrook and Ballsbridge.
Jeremy Darroch, Sky’s chief executive, said the new centre would ensure that Sky’s Irish customers received enhanced service from the company. “We look forward to making further contributions to the local community.”
Sky does not publish a figure for its Irish subscriber base, but data from research group AC Nielsen puts it at 675,000. This makes it the biggest pay-TV provider in Ireland ahead of cable company UPC Ireland. In total, Sky reaches more than 10.5 million homes in the UK and Ireland.
Richard Bruton, Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, said the investment by Sky was a “welcome vote of confidence in our workforce and in the Irish economy” by an international company.
Sky published its half-year results yesterday which showed that revenue rose by 6 per cent to £3.4 billion, and its operating profit increased by 16 per cent to £601 million.
Mr Darroch said he expected trading to “remain tough” in 2012.
Sky also announced plans to offer an internet TV service which allows customers to access its programming via computers and mobile devices without the need for a satellite dish.
It also announced plans to increase its investment in home-grown content to €650 million over the next three years.
