Tesco Bank to create 1,000 jobs in Newcastle

The new centre will be based at Quorum Business Park and manage Tesco's customer sales and service for its home and motor insurance customers. The roles are being created as part of Tesco Bank's general insurance partnership with Fortis UK.

Tesco has been ramping up its banking arm since buying out its partner Royal Bank of Scotland.

Andrew Higginson, chairman of Tesco Bank, said: "Tesco is building a different kind of bank - one that listens to customers, offers simple and transparent products and rewards loyalty. This new customer service centre will help us provide our banking and insurance customers with the same great service they have come to expect in our stores. It is an important step forward for the business and will support our ambitions to bring great value new insurance products to many more customers."

Tesco Bank has this year already created a further 200 jobs at its Edinburgh headquarters and will be recruiting a further 800 full time jobs at a new customer service centre in Glasgow.

Business Secretary Lord Mandelson welcomed the move, and said: "I welcome this decision and I am proud of the government support that has helped make it happen. The jobs created by this investment will be invaluable to the North East, and to the wider UK economy.

"It is hugely encouraging that Tesco has chosen to invest here. The range of government support available is ensuring that people and businesses get the help they need to create new jobs across the whole of the country."