ONE of Basingstoke’s major employers has announced that it is to create 500 jobs in the United Kingdom over the next three years.

Chinese telecoms firm Huawei, which has its European headquarters in Viables and also offices in Rankine Road, has said it will double its headcount in the UK, recruiting engineers and sales staff as well as increasing management positions.

The firm said it also plans to generate a further 1,000 to 1,500 sub-contracting jobs over three years, and has announced that it is developing a formal UK graduate programme.

“We are committed to bringing more job opportunities to the UK, which is a key market for us,” said Victor Zhang, chief executive of Huawei UK.

He added: “As one of the leading technology vendors in the world, Huawei has been implementing its localisation strategy for many years.

“An increase in employees in our UK office will help us to provide more customised and innovative products and solutions for British telecom carriers, enterprise customers and consumers.”

Councillor Andrew Finney, leader of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, said: “Basingstoke is home to companies from many countries, but we are particularly pleased to play host to the UK’s largest Chinese investor.

“Huawei not only provide excellent job opportunities but also support our local community. It is great to see them growing so strongly.”

Huawei was first established in the UK in 2001 and relocated to Basingstoke in 2003, where it now employs around 500 staff.

Huawei provides telecommunications equipment to 45 of the 50 biggest telecoms network operators in the world, ranging from mobile phone handsets to base stations.