FIFTY jobs will be up for grabs this week during a Witney firm's two-day recruitment drive.

Medical devices manufacturer Abbott is throwing it doors open to attract new staff tomorrow and Saturday.

Abbott plans to take on another 100 staff next year to meet demand for its FreeStyle Libre flash system which measures blood sugar levels in diabetics.

The number of people diagnosed with diabetes is rising and FreeStyle Libre, launched in 2014, was recently granted approval to be used on 4-17-year-olds, further boosting sales.

More than two thirds of new roles in Witney will be manufacturing jobs based in clean rooms, where the main component of the FreeStyle Libre system is made.

Other jobs on offer include support and system engineers, statisticians and planners.

Some 650 people are already employed at the Witney plant.

The firm, which has its head office in Maidenhead, has 74,000 employees around the world.

Witney site director Pat Cole said: "Diabetes is a rapidly growing problem around the world and Abbott is addressing the challenge head on by designing, developing and manufacturing innovative products to help people to better manage their diabetes.

"The first demand is the manufacturing piece but we need a varied mix of people and skills right across the board.

"As an employee of Abbott, people have the opportunity to become a member of a diverse global workforce working with the best minds in science and technology."

Abbott's offices on Range Road, Witney, will be open to the public tomorrow from 3pm to 7pm and on Saturday from 10am to 2pm.

Guests will have a chance to tour the factory and speak to employees.

For more information, e-mail witney.jobs@abbott.com or visit abbott.com.