Virgin Money to create 300 new jobs - graduate jobs

Graduates looking to get ahead in the banking industry will be buoyed by news that Virgin Money is to employ 300 new staff when it opens a new headquarters in Edinburgh as it looks to become a major player in the sector.

The group, owned by Sir Richard Branson, has secured the lease on a 30,000 sq ft site at 28 St Andrew Square and will add an extra 300 workers to the 80 staff already employed in the Scottish capital by the company.

The administration centre is being established in the city as the group gears up to launch a full-scale high street banking operation in late 2011 or 2012.

Virgin Money plans to compete with established names in the banking industry by offering competitive rates on deposit accounts, mortgages and current accounts.

Jayne-Anne Gadhia, chief executive of Virgin Money, said: "We are planning to grow significantly in 2011 and needed a central location with good transport links.

"Scotland has a solid reputation for financial services and, of course, has highly talented and skilled people to help us grow the Virgin Money business."