New call centre to bring 500 jobs to Inverness A major jobs boost for the Highlands has been announced with 500 new posts being created in Inverness by call centre and outsourcing firm Capgemini. Already a major employer in the Highlands, Capgemini's announcement will see their workforce in and around Inverness doubling to 1000 by 2016. The new jobs have been welcomed by First Minister Alex Salmond who described them as "immense for Inverness" and called Capgemini's inward investment "a clear reflection of the huge international appeal of the Highlands" skilled and dedicated workforce." Supported by £4.25 million of funding from Scottish Development International (a joint venture between Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the Scottish Government) and a training grant of £1 million from Highlands and Islands Enterprise, the new jobs were announced at a press conference this morning attended by the First Minister. The announcement follows a meeting between the First Minister and French firm Capgemini chief executive officerPaul Soutter at the Scottish Open in Inverness nine months ago. Mr Salmond said: "Capgemini's announcement that they are creating 500 new jobs in Inverness and thus doubling their workforce here in the Highlands is fantastic news. Even in the increasingly vibrant city of Inverness, the economic impact of this employment boost cannot be over-estimated. They are a multinational employer conducting business all over the world and the company's decision to make Inverness one of their global centres of excellence for advanced IT is therefore a ringing endorsement of the Highland capital. It is truly immense for Inverness. These are highly-skilled, high-value jobs and Capgemini's decision to bring them here to Scotland is a clear reflection of the huge international appeal of the Highlands" skilled and dedicated workforce. Capgemini already have strong relationships with Highlands and Islands Enterprise, the University of the Highlands and Islands and Scottish Development International. I know that these close links have helped inform their decision to consolidate here in Scotland and I know how keen they are to develop skills locally as much as possible. This announcement serves to reinforce the strength of Scotland's IT sector, which already employs more than 100,000 people across the country. It is good news for Inverness, good news for the Highlands and good news for the Scottish economy. Mr Soutter added: "Today's announcement reflects our commitment to creating high quality, sustainable employment, and not least for college graduates. We have long found Scotland to be a purposeful, dynamic and productive environment for business, so that by significantly expanding our activities here, we are building upon a strong record of proven success. The new jobs we are creating in the Highlands will be at the heart of today's knowledge-based economy and will help prove Scotland's ability to compete and win in global markets. Drew Hendry, leader of the Highland Council, said: "I welcome this announcement today and the major boost to the local economy which the new jobs at Cap Gemini will provide. The Highland Council's programme places economic recovery as its number one priority and this is a further sign that Inverness and the Highlands can play a key role in attracting inward investment to Scotland. We look forward to working with Cap Gemini to assist their recruitment process and provide opportunities for our young people in particular. Cap Gemini is just the latest international firm to recognise that the Highlands are a great place to do business and their announcement follows the confirmation earlier this month that US company, Daktari, is to locate its global manufacturing base in Inverness, creating more than 120 jobs. These announcements demonstrate the benefit of showcasing our people and community through high profile events, such as the Scottish Open at Castle Stuart. We are delighted that the attractiveness of doing business here is being recognised internationally through long term investment and jobs.