TELECOMMUNICATIONS giant BT has singled out York as a key recruitment location as it announced plans to create 80 new jobs in the York region.

The firm is looking to fill 80 engineering vacancies in Yorkshire and the Humber as part of a recruitment drive across the UK, and has said it is particularly keen to hire in York, Harrogate, Scarborough, Bridlington and Leeds.

BT expects a significant number of the engineering roles to be taken up by ex-servicemen and women.

Tom Keeney, BT’s regional director for Yorkshire and the Humber, said: “BT is leading the economic recovery of Yorkshire and the Humber as one of the region’s largest investors.

“Not only are we building a superfast broadband network, which is giving a major boost to the region’s households and businesses, we are creating highly skilled local jobs offering exciting careers, such as those announced.

“Working with our partners in the public sector we are determined to ensure that Yorkshire and the Humber is in the best position possible to take full advantage of the superfast broadband revolution.

“The region should be really positive about its future.

“Exciting times lie ahead for both BT and the region.

“The opportunities for businesses to grow and for households to benefit from enhanced online learning and entertainment are immense.”

Recruitment for the 1,600 new roles nationwide is already under way in parts of the country.