Facebook to Add 500 Employees in U.K. When New London Office Opens

Facebook likes the U.K., it appears: The tech giant is to increase by half the number of its staff in the country next year, it announced Monday.

The company is adding 500 employees, including engineers, marketers, project managers and sales staff, who will join when the company opens its new London headquarters. The additions will bring the total number of employees in the U.K. to 1,500.

Nicola Mendelsohn, VP Europe, Middle East and Africa at Facebook, said: “The U.K. remains one of the best places to be a tech company and is 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 H.Q. and plan to employ 1,500 people.”

She added: “Many of those new roles will be high-skilled engineering jobs as the U.K. is home to our largest engineering base outside of the U.S.”

London Mayor Sadiq Khan, welcomed news of Facebook’s expanded workforce, which comes a week after Google said it would create 3,000 new jobs in London by 2020. The announcements are good news for a city worried about the effects of voters’ decision to withdraw Britain from the European Union.

“Facebook’s decision to expand in London is further evidence that London’s strength as a tech hub keeps on growing,” he said.

“The capital’s vibrant tech scene is the envy of Europe, and Facebook’s continuing commitment is another sign that London is open to talent, innovation and entrepreneurship from all four corners of the world.”

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