New jobs in Scotland created by Tesco Bank

Tesco raised its PPI claims provision after a "full-scale proactive customer contact programme"

Tesco Bank has announced plans to create about 300 new jobs in Scotland.

The bank has started to recruit for 240 customer service positions in preparation for the launch of a current account in 2014.

It said it also plans to create an additional 58 head office posts, including in marketing and legal services.

The new jobs will be at Tesco Bank's offices at South Gyle in Edinburgh and Glasgow's Renfield Street.

The positions are permanent and Tesco Bank said the majority will be full-time.

It currently employs about 4,000 people in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Newcastle.

Chief executive Benny Higgins said: "We are making excellent progress towards the launch of our current account next year and the recruitment of these new roles is an important milestone in that process."

First Minister Alex Salmond welcomed Tesco Bank's commitment to "further increase their presence in Scotland".

He added: "This announcement demonstrates the confidence in the robust skills and talent of the Scottish workforce, and its capacity to deliver success in the financial services industry."

The UK government's Scottish Secretary, Alistair Carmichael, said the announcement was great news for Scotland.

"It is a strong endorsement of the skills and expertise that the workforce in Glasgow and Edinburgh possess and their qualities as places to do business," he said.