Drugs firm ups graduate recruitment - graduate jobs

Nearly one hundred graduate jobs have been created at Northern Irish pharmaceutical company Almac, in Craigavon, County Armagh.

The company specialises in research and development for 600 companies around the world, and says that 2009 will be a year of "significant growth".

Of the new positions, 90% are for graduates. Twenty were filled in January, 25 will start work in February and 54 jobs have been advertised. Temporary workers are also being hired.

Says chief executive Alan Armstrong: "The vast majority of positions we are seeking to fill require a third level qualification so despite the negativity which may exist there are opportunities for local graduates to enter employment.

"We are particularly looking for graduates qualified in scientific disciplines."