Amsterdam-based global online food delivery firm Just Eat Takeaway.com has announced it will create more than 1,500 new customer service jobs at Houghton le Spring, Sunderland, over the next 12 months.

“Overall, Just Eat is investing more than £100m into the region across the next five years which will go towards creating a modern workspace for the team, equipment, training and jobs,” said Just East.

“Recruitment is underway with approximately 300 jobs already created to date.

“A variety of positions from customer service advisors to team leadership, specialist support roles and management are available.

“All new customer service employees will take part in a bespoke and comprehensive training programme before they start their new roles at Just Eat.

“They will also benefit from longer-term career development plans to enable them to build relevant skills and progress within the business.”

Employees will have access to a range of benefits and will be based in a new state of the art office.

Equipped with a gym, catering area and a lounge, the space measures 20,000 square metres, across four floors.

Employees will begin working from home with plans to operate a hybrid model in the coming months. 

Just Eat UK Managing Director Andrew Kenny said: “As part of our ongoing investment in our UK business, we’re delighted to be creating upwards of a thousand new employment opportunities in our customer care department over the next 12 months.

“Alongside the launch of our worker model for couriers, this move will help us to bring the very best service to our customers and restaurant partners as demand for food delivery goes from strength to strength in the UK.

“As a platform that covers 95% of UK postcodes, we also know the importance of increasing career opportunities outside of London and the South East.

“We’re pleased to be announcing our commitment to the North East, to help boost the region’s economy.”

Councillor Graeme Miller, leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “We’re thrilled to have supported Just Eat to make its move to Sunderland, joining a dynamic business community and creating jobs and opportunities for people across the city. 

“We’re very proud of what Sunderland offers as a place to do business, and it is vindication of that offer when brands like Just Eat are drawn to the city thanks to the work of our team and colleagues from Invest North East England and the North East LEP in attracting them. 

“We’re immensely proud of our skilled people and look forward to seeing how they drive the onward success of the Just Eat business.”

Andrew Moffat CBE, Chair of the North East LEP Investment Board, added: “Just Eat’s commitment to create more than 1,000 jobs in the North East and continue its investment in apprenticeships and long-term career development is great news for Sunderland, and our region.

“Just Eat is a hugely successful, multinational business, and we’re delighted to have been able to work with them alongside Invest North East England to support them to help secure the North East as the location to continue their growth journey.”