Sky to create 1,000 jobs amid profits leap

Broadcaster BSkyB reported a 31% rise in half-year operating profits today and said it planned to create 1,000 jobs to support further growth.

The group, which also provides broadband and home telephony, said customer growth was 2% year on year following the net addition of 171,000 subscribers in the quarter to December 31, taking its customer base to 9.24 million.

BSkyB said it expected further acceleration in the take-up of its Sky Plus HD service, which combines a personal video recorder with high definition TV.

It has reduced the price of the box to £49 (€52) and said anticipated demand meant it would create 1,000 jobs in customer service and installation.