Plans are under way to create 100 jobs in the Highlands and islands.
Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has been working with Sykes, a multinational company that operates a homeworking staffing model in the central belt and is keen to expand this into rural areas.
The positions will be for people with excellent customer care skills looking for the flexibility of working from home.
The company comprises a family of global businesses delivering process outsourcing services and it is looking to increase its customer service staff by up to 100.
The majority of positions will be on permanent contracts and working between 16 and 40 hours a week and will be working for a leading technology client.
The business is initially focusing its search in two areas – Caithness and Sutherland, and Argyll and Bute, with recruitment due to start in July.
A drop-in event is due to be held at the Pentland Hotel, Thurso, on June 19 where people can find out more. The event will include presentations from Sykes representatives and opportunities to ask questions, as well as videos about the company and details about the positions.
Roy Kirk, HIE area manager for Caithness and Sutherland, said: “The customer services sector is important to our region’s economy. We have a great opportunity to collaborate with Sykes and help the company pilot its rural homeworking project, and create job opportunities in Caithness and Sutherland and across the region.
“The homeworking model is sure to appeal to many people in rural areas, especially when training can be provided without them having to travel.
“The drop-in session will help people decide if this is something they’d be interested in. It’s also a good opportunity for us to promote the area as an ideal location for Sykes to expand their Scottish operations. We very much look forward to welcoming people on the day.”
Caithness Chamber of Commerce chief executive, Trudy Morris said: “We are delighted to see this recognition of the skills base that the north Highlands has to offer. With increased connectivity through the superfast broadband rollout, remote and rural areas can now offer their skills to the world.
“This has the potential to be a major employment boost and a chance to build on our excellent track record of remote delivery of business services.”
