Microsoft pledges to create 4,000 full-time UK jobs

Microsoft is to create thousands of new jobs in the UK after meeting with prime minister David Cameron.

The prime minister David Cameron has welcomed a deal that will see Microsoft create 4,000 jobs in the UK. Photo credit: BIS

The jobs will be created through the software giant's Britain Works programme, UK managing director Gordon Frazer announced on Monday in a statement on the Number 10 website.

The scheme will create technical support, technical sales and software development apprenticeships, and provide "opportunities for entrepreneurs to start new businesses", Frazer said. A Microsoft spokeswoman explained to ZDNet UK on Monday that "4,000 full time jobs will be created by Microsoft through apprenticeships, which will result in full-time paid employment in a new job, and through the BizSpark scheme, which helps software start-ups succeed".

Cameron said in the statement that the UK would only be able to get its economy back on track "by creating a climate in which the private sector can grow and develop, creating jobs and opportunities for people across the country".

"This year the government is determined to help deliver many thousands of new jobs and I'm delighted that the companies joining me today are part of that," Cameron added. The prime minister met with Microsoft as well as 18 other companies, including Toyota, Tesco, Shell, Sainsbury's, Morrisons, Mitie Group, McDonalds, Marks & Spencer, Kingfisher, John Lewis, Jaguar Land Rover, InterContinental Hotels, Hays, Co-Op, Centrica, Balfour Beatty, Amec and Asda.

Microsoft declined to comment on the total amount of money it has allocated for the apprenticeship scheme.