Just Eat has announced plans to create more than 1,500 customer service jobs in north-eastern England over the next year, as part of a £100m investment in the region over five years. The new roles will be based at a facility in Sunderland, where the firm has already hired 300 staff.
New employees will initially work from home, with the option to work from the office in the coming months. The office, located in Houghton le Spring and previously occupied by Npower, spans 20,000 square metres and will include a gym, lounge, and catering area.
The move marks a shift from outsourcing the majority of customer service roles to Bulgaria and the Philippines. Just Eat’s UK managing director, Andrew Kenny, said the decision is about positioning the firm for future growth, noting that the takeaway industry has evolved significantly over the past 18 months, with new trends such as growth in breakfast and lunch orders.
Councillor Graeme Miller, leader of Sunderland City Council, welcomed the investment, stating the council is proud to have supported Just Eat’s move to the city, creating jobs and opportunities for local people.
Just Eat, founded in 2000 by five Danish entrepreneurs, now partners with over 58,000 restaurants across the UK. The company recently merged with Takeaway.com in a £5.9bn deal, becoming one of the world’s largest meal delivery firms. In the first half of 2021, sales rose 52%, reflecting robust growth during the pandemic.
