British Gas to create 2,600 new jobs by 2012

British Gas is set to create 2,600 new positions by 2012 despite the economic decline.

The opportunity for job creation has come as a result of new 'smart meter' technology, which allows suppliers to record customer gas and electricity use at a distance and let consumers see how much energy they are using.

According to the BBC, British Gas said it would need more than 2,000 smart energy experts in the field who would install the new meters, though this could have implications for call centre staff as the new technology would mean an end to estimated bills, which would reduce the need for call centre staff to deal with complaints.

The government has previously said that it wants all homes in the UK to be fitted with smart meters by 2020.

BBC