BlackRock to create 250 new jobs - graduate jobs

Investment management group BlackRock is looking to hire hundreds of graduates with the aim of doubling its workforce in Scotland.

Plans to expand BlackRock's Scottish operations would result in the creation of up to 250 new jobs at its financial centre in Edinburgh.

The company, which provides risk management, investment management and advisory services to clients around the globe, said it is hoping to raise staff numbers at Edinburgh to over 450 by the end of 2011.

Head of the branch, Stewart Carracher, said: "BlackRock has for many years recognised the attractiveness of Edinburgh as a financial centre and the high calibre talent pool that exists within the financial services industry across Scotland.

"We have made a firm commitment to expand our operations in Edinburgh and look forward to the next stage of our development here."

BlackRock employs more than 9,000 people across its operations in 25 countries. It is the second high-profile financial company to announce recruitment plans in Scotland this week.

Virgin Money, owned by Sir Richard Branson, earlier said it is looking to hire 300 employees for its new headquarters in Edinburgh at the former offices of Scottish & Newcastle in St Andrew Square.

Scotland's financial services industry employs approximately 95,000 people and accounts for around 8% of the country's GDP.