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Sky Scottish Independence Referendum

BSkyB internal memo tells staff broadcaster will stay in Scotland if country votes for independence

By Angela Haggerty, Reporter

April 3, 2014 | 2 min read

BSkyB has said it has “no plans to change” its presence in Scotland regardless of the result of the upcoming referendum on independence in September.

Referendum: Voters will take to the polls in September

In a leaked internal website memo which reached Twitter, the satellite broadcaster told staff: “We like being in Scotland. And we have no plans to change that.

“Scotland will continue to be an important part of our business, whatever the voters decide in September.

“I’m aware that many other companies have made statements in the media but we believe it’s best to leave the talking up to politicians and let the people have their say.”

The memo added that “the independence question is a constitutional one for the Scottish people” and wasn’t something the company took a view on corporately.

BSkyB employs 6,400 people in Scotland, making it one of the country’s biggest private sector employers. The memo appeared to be a response to employee questions about any changes a Yes vote in the referendum might bring.

A Scottish government spokesman welcomed the broadcaster’s “endorsement of the skills and abilities of their staff in Scotland”.

Other businesses, such as Standard Life, have already warned they may take their business out of Scotland if voters opt for independence from the UK.

Sky Scottish Independence Referendum

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