Facebook has confirmed that will add around 500 roles to its United Kingdom headcount in 2017, bringing its total headcount in the country to around 1,500. It’s not yet known whether any of the roles will be in the legal function though it’s expected that many of the will be highly-skilled engineering positions, as well as marketing staff, project managers and sales specialists. Facebook vice-president for Europe, the Middle East and Africa Nicola Mendelsohn announced the planned expansion at a Confederation of British Industry conference earlier this week.
Engineering hub
The UK is currently home to Facebook’s largest engineering base outside the United States. Some of the company’s most exciting technological innovations have been developed in the UK – among them, Aquila, a solar-powered unmanned plane used to provide internet connectivity to remote areas, and Workplace, an intra-organisation communication platform currently under development by Facebook engineers in London.
Confidence in post-Brexit London
The new recruits will be housed at Facebook’s new headquarters in Fitzrovia, which is currently under construction. London Mayor Sadiq Khan believes that Facebook’s decision to expand in the city is a show of faith in the potential of the London tech market, despite widespread fears that Brexit would dampen investment in London across the board. ‘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 globe.’ A statement from Ms Mendelsohn affirmed that London remained ‘one of the best places to be a tech company.’
Sources: BBC; The Guardian; Financial Times
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