Virgin Media to create 620 new jobs

Cable operator Virgin Media is to create 620 new jobs as it looks to meet demand for its broadband and television on-demand service.

The company is aiming to fill 500 call centre positions and will recruit a further 120 people it can train as engineers under its apprenticeship scheme.

Virgin, which employs around 12,000 people, has been buoyed by the growth of its TiVo on-demand service, which recorded in excess of one billion views during 2011.

In results published today, Virgin's annual revenues were up 3% to £4 billion, while operating income lifted 67.8% to £540 million.

Chief executive Neil Berkett said: “Our strategy of focusing on customers who want more from the digital world is paying off.”

Virgin said the majority of the new positions will be in Manchester and Swansea, with the apprenticeships being across the UK. The scheme is in its fourth year and has now placed 530 people into roles within the company.

The expansion comes at a time of intense competition as rival firms battle to offer their customers faster broadband speeds.

Last month, Virgin Media announced four million of its broadband subscribers with current speeds of between 10Mb and 50Mb will gain access to an internet service which is at least twice as fast.

The move, which will cost the company £110 million this year, is in line with Government targets for 90% of British homes and businesses to have access to super-fast broadband by 2015.

PA