Nation's investments creating thousands of new British jobs
A man shops at an Aldi store in Atherstone, United Kingdom. [Photo / Agencies] |
The investment and resulting jobs come against the backdrop of the United Kingdom's impending exit from the European Union and the uncertainties that have caused in the job market. Banks, including JP Morgan, Morgan Stanley, and HSBC are already reportedly considering relocating staff to EU countries. Brussels-based thinktank Bruegel estimates the UK could lose 30,000 finance sector jobs as a result of Brexit.
Chinese investment in the UK has also led to increased cultural understanding. At the canteen within the Bank of China's London office, Chinese and Western employees enjoy a menu that includes Chinese dumplings and fish and chips. The bank now employs about 550 people, 90 percent of whom are local hires. Many British workers enjoy the experience.
"Chinese people are a wonderful combination of being enterprising, hardworking, resilient and friendly," said Neil Robinson, marketing manager of ABP, who became the first British employee of the company four years ago.
Robinson says he loves his work, adding that recognition from his Chinese boss keeps him greatly motivated.
"At the Chinese New Year, my boss gave me a red packet gift which certainly brought a smile to my face. Now that is something you would never get from a Western boss!"