Social media giant Facebook to increase UK staff by 50% in 2017

Social media giant Facebook has announced it will increase its UK staff numbers by 50% over the coming year.

The move will see the company hire 500 new employees, ranging from engineers to developers, marking executives and sales staff.

The majority of the new roles will be based in London, where Facebook is currently redeveloping a site in Fitzrovia to serve as its new UK headquarters.

Facebook first opened an office in London in 2007 and now employs around 1,000 people in the UK - with the new hires expected to push that number to above 1,500 staff.

Nicola Mendelsohn, Facebook's Europe, Middle East and Asia Vice President, is slated to announce the expansion during a speech at the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) conference, which will begin later on Monday.

In a statement released by the company, Ms Mendelsohn said that many of the new jobs created would be highly skilled and would further the UK's position as Facebook's largest engineering base outside of the United States.

"The UK remains one of the best places to be a tech company and is an important part of Facebook's story," she said.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has also welcomed the news, saying that the announcement is "further evidence that London's strength as a tech hub keeps on growing".

"It follows news that London remains the best city in Europe for digital startups," 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."