Tesco Bank continuing with big hiring plans in Scotland

Tesco Bank's vociferous levels of hiring north of the border have prompted it to acquire another HQ in Edinburgh and it's expected to continue recruiting into next year.

Since deciding to base its headquarters in Scotland last, Tesco Bank has been rapidly expanding. Currently it employs 1,000 full-time staff and an army of between 500-700 contractors working on fully divesting the bank from RBS.

Now, it's acquired a "second headquarters" in the South Gyle area of Edinburgh, which chief executive Benny Higgins says will support its ambitions for "long-term growth" in Scotland.

"We are currently recruiting for a wide range of roles across our offices," he said.

The plan is to move into the new offices by the end of 2011. Still, recruiters - who are currently enjoying the proceeds from the bountiful opportunities emerging from Tesco Bank - suggest the need is a little more urgent.

"Their Haymarket office is essentially full, and a number people are on hot desks and they've been taking on Regis offices to house the new recruits," she says.

Tesco is planning on hiring a further 1,000 people for its Glasgow call centre operation next year, but it's also recruiting for more highly-skilled jobs in Edinburgh.

"There's a big requirement for people across the board at Tesco Bank," says Mike Leeman, manager, financial services at recruiters Bright Purple in Edinburgh. "Risk, product development, change management and technology expertise is being recruited."

The one area Tesco isn't currently recruiting for, however, is corporate banking - much to the chagrin of the large number of people still on the market after the fall out from the two big Scottish banks.

Tesco Bank is a popular option, with a large number of candidates applying for the vacancies, suggests Leeman. But the motivation is more about the quality of the role, rather than any lucrative pay packets on offer.

"They're a volume recruiter, but are still only offering market rates as they feel that shaking up salaries in Scotland wouldn't be good for the industry," he says.