GlaxoSmithKline announces new jobs

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has announced a £500 million investment in its UK manufacturing facilities, with the pharmaceutical developer set to take on up to 1,000 new members of staff as a result.

The majority of the funds will go towards the opening of the company's new manufacturing facility at Ulverston in Cumbria, while £100 million will be put towards the extension of its Scottish sites in Montrose and Irvine.

Sir Andrew Witty, chief executive officer of GSK, said: "We are also actively considering other investments in our UK manufacturing network which would create further jobs and reinforce the UK's international competitiveness and as a world leader in life sciences."

Prime minister David Cameron added that this major investment in the UK pharmaceutical sector is extremely positive and will create many new positions for highly-skilled employees across the country.

Earlier this month, the global pharmaceutical developer announced progress on the sale of a number of its over-the-counter brands, including Lactacyd, Abtei, Solpadeine, Zantac, Nytol and Beconase.