Tech firm to create 650 jobs in the North

Up to 650 new jobs are to be created by technology company Allstate, it was confirmed today.

The high end software development, software testing, infrastructure services and analytics posts will be based in Belfast, Derry and Strabane.

The announcement, the second largest since devolution in 2007, brings to 1,000 the number of new jobs created in the North over the past week.

“This announcement of hundreds of new high quality jobs by a top Fortune 100 company sends out a clear and unequivocal message to international investors to have confidence in Northern Ireland as a competitive location from which to grow their business,” said First Minister Peter Robinson.

Invest Northern Ireland has contributed just over £4.5m (€5.3m) of support towards the expansion which will deliver £20m (€23m) in additional salaries.

Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness described the jobs boost as truly great news for the economy.

“Such investments bring quality salaries and new opportunities for local people so it remains vitally important that we continue to seek out investment projects in key markets and strengthen our relationships with new and existing investors to ensure that we maximise every opportunity to build a positive future for all,” he said.