Facebook to add jobs in London

The 500 new jobs at its London headquarter would be added next year, Facebook announced on Monday, taking its UK workforce to a total of 1,500 staff

Britain remained "one of the best places to be a tech company," said Facebook's vice president for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Nicola Mendelsohn, with London being an important part of Facebook's story.

"We came to London in 2007 with just a handful of people, by the end of next year we will have opened a new HQ and plan to employ 1,500 people," she added in a statement. "Many of those new roles will be high skilled engineering jobs as the UK is home to our largest engineering base outside of the US."

Defiant moves

London Mayor Sadiq Khan welcomed the news from the US giant. "Facebook's decision to expand in London is further evidence that London's strength as a tech hub keeps on growing," Khan said, adding that London's vibrant tech scene was the envy of Europe.

"Facebook's continuing commitment is another sign that London is open to talent, innovation and entrepreneurship from all four corners of the world."

The announcement came one week after US search engine Google confirmed it would expand its vast London campus in a move that could bring 3,000 more jobs.

Google revealed it would add a new office building to a complex currently under development behind London's King's Cross train station. A total of 7,000 Google staff would eventually be working at the hub, which was set to open in 2018.

Facebook's new London office is currently under construction in the central district of Fitzrovia and planned to be opened next year.

uhe/jd (Reuters, AFP)