Global firm launches search for 100 new jobs for the region

Up to 100 new homeworking jobs are set to be created in the Highlands and Islands. The jobs will be for people with excellent customer care skills looking for the flexibility of working from home.

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.

SYKES comprises a family of global businesses delivering process outsourcing services. It is looking to increase its customer service staff by up to 100, the majority of which will be on permanent contracts and working between 16 and 40 hours a week.

The new SYKES team will be working for a leading technology client. Applicants don’t need specialist knowledge, and full training will be provided by telephone and online.

The business is initially focusing its talent search in two areas – Caithness and Sutherland and Argyll and Bute. Recruitment is due to start in July. There will be a drop-in event at the Pentland Hotel, Thurso, on 19 June from 4-8pm, where people can find out more about the new opportunities.

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 available.

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 here 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. This in turn could strengthen resilience in rural communities.

“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.”

Anyone unable to attend in person but who wants to know more can contact june.love@hient.co.uk