A350 brings job hope for graduates - graduate jobs

Demand for the new A350 passenger jet has resulted in a boost in job opportunities for UK graduates, with 200 new jobs earmarked for the manufacturer's base.

Airbus announced the new skilled engineering jobs at Filton, near Bristol, saying Government investment in the plant also contributed to the move.

There are more than 550 orders for the lightweight composite plane, which can take 340 passengers.

The jobs will be especially welcome in Filton following recent job losses announced by BAE systems and the Ministry of Defence, said BBC West's business correspondent Dave Harvey.

He said the development reflects the fact that civilian spending is doing well, with huge orders from China, India and the Middle East, despite cuts in military spending.

Copyright Press Association 2011