MORE than 100 jobs will be created in the customer service sector after a bank announced plans to strengthen its call centres.

TSB says it will deliver 114 permanent roles at its offices on Sunderland’s Enterprise Park, which will see its North-East workforce go beyond the 600 mark.

The bank hopes to fill the roles in the next six months, covering several aspects of the business from general banking to fraud prevention.

Kerry Sharkey, head of telephone banking, said: “TSB is a key part of the local community in Sunderland.

“Our contact centre is performing extremely well and remains central to TSB’s growth plans.”

Sunderland has become a hub for call centres in the region, with the sector employing about 14,000 people in the city and generating more than £200m annually for the regional economy.

TSB’s call centre has also won the backing of Sunderland City Council’s business investment team.

The council’s cabinet secretary, Councillor Mel Speding, said: “The bank’s continued investment in Sunderland is another boost for our flourishing contact centre sector and a vote of confidence for the city as a place to do business.

“We’re delighted Sunderland is playing an integral part of TSB’s national operations and we welcome the new opportunities this brings.”