An energy firm has set out plans to create 2,500 jobs in the next 10 years.
ScottishPower said it wants to take on more engineers to improve its grid network, as well as extra office-based support staff. The new posts are dependent upon a successful regulatory settlement with watchdog Ofgem, the company said.
The “vast majority” of the jobs will be created in Scotland, with some in ScottishPower’s distribution networks in Merseyside and North Wales.
This is in addition to the 1,500 Scottish jobs announced by the company last year, bringing ScottishPower’s stated recruitment total to 4,000 for the next decade.
It said it hopes to give the jobs to people in local communities and a large proportion will be apprentices and graduates who will be offered training with colleges and other institutions.
The firm, owned by Spanish energy firm Iberdrola, said it has planning permission to build a 14-storey UK headquarters in Glasgow city centre.
It has also built a complex in Blantyre, South Lanarkshire which is intended to support the expanding business. Named Ochil House, the site was officially opened by Finance Secretary John Swinney.
Ignacio Galan, chairman of both Iberdrola and ScottishPower, said: “As a global energy company, our operations are focused in the UK, US, Brazil, Mexico and Spain, with Scotland and the UK being a key focus for our investment plans.
“We are investing £4 billion between now and 2014 in the UK, representing 40% of our global investments, with two-thirds of this investment planned for Scotland.
“On the back of our long-term investment plans, we are creating 4,000 jobs in our networks business alone, which will see our company continue to grow and help to boost the Scottish economy.
“It is vital that we have the office infrastructure in place to support our teams who will be delivering this investment. We are delighted to be expanding our presence in Hamilton International Park as well as committing to remain headquartered in Glasgow, a city that has been home to ScottishPower for decades.”
Mr Swinney said: “Scotland has established a global reputation within the energy sector and I am delighted that ScottishPower is expanding its Scottish operations and creating 4,000 new jobs in the next 10 years.
“ScottishPower is a global leader in the energy sector, operating in countries all over the world. The company’s decision to increase its Scottish presence is testament to quality and skills of the local workforce.
“The Scottish Government recognise the substantial contribution that the energy industry makes to our economy. We are working with the industry to continue to strengthen Scotland’s position as global leader in energy and this new investment marks further growth in this important section of our economy.”