FAST expanding financial services group Perpetual has announced a mini jobs boom in Oxfordshire.

The company is mounting a drive to recruit an extra 50 staff to meet increasing business.

The firm, which is one of the most successful independent investment management companies in the UK, has built its new headquarters in Reading Road, Henley, to house 600 head office staff, with room for a further 200.

The announcement comes after new figures show unemployment in Oxfordshire has dropped below 5,000 with just 1.5 per cent of the population out of work - one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country.

Perpetual has vacancies for posts ranging from administrators and customer service staff through to information technology analysts and programmers.

Chief executive officer David Mossop said: "It is immensely satisfying to the company that so many local people have built successful careers with Perpetual.

"We offer exciting career opportunities, competitive salaries, individual training and excellent prospects for promotion."

The company, which is planning to move into the pensions market next year, is holding a recruitment open evening at its offices in Henley on Wednesday from 4pm to 8.30pm.

Perpetual was founded in Henley 24 years ago by Martyn Arbib. and now manages the investments of more than half a million people. The company plans to enter the pensions market early next year.

Mr Arbib said: "Financial services play a pivotal role in the UK economy and in people's lives. Perpetual sees a very positive future for the company and its employees."

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