Deloitte to create 177 technology jobs in Belfast

The worldwide financial consultancy firm Deloitte is to create 177 new jobs in Belfast.

The new positions will be in the fields of information and communication technologies, and will be located in the firm's Belfast technology studio.

It is a part of the business that helps companies in sectors such as retail and banking.

Invest NI is providing about £1.2m towards the investment.

Economy minister Arlene Foster said the jobs were proof of Northern Ireland's reputation for excellence in the technology sector.

She described it as an "important and prestigious investment".

The jobs will provide employment opportunities for new and experienced graduates and it is estimated that £6m in salaries will be put into the Northern Ireland economy.

Deloitte technology partner Danny McConnell said the investment represented "a significant step up" from its previous ambitions in Northern Ireland, and was a direct response to new opportunities it had identified in "specialist and integrated analytics, digital and testing services".

"The fact that we have chosen to further develop our technology studio in Belfast is testament to the skilled workforce and advanced infrastructure in Northern Ireland," he added.

Deloitte said the majority of jobs would be "tailored to graduates and mid-low level entry positions".