Google has increased its UK workforce by 400 employees in preparation for moving to a new office in King’s Cross.
- Despite a global reduction in staff, Google is expanding its UK team, highlighting its commitment to the region.
- The tech giant’s headcount in the UK rose to 7,422, although this growth is slower compared to the previous year.
- Google’s focus on AI, supported by its acquisition of DeepMind, remains strong in the UK.
- Construction of the new office began in 2018 and is expected to complete by the end of 2025.
Google has made a strategic decision to enhance its workforce in the United Kingdom, adding 400 new positions in anticipation of transitioning to its expansive new facility in King’s Cross, London. This move comes at a time when Google is reducing headcount on a global scale, having announced significant layoffs earlier in the year. However, this UK expansion underscores Google’s steadfast commitment to its operations and growth within the region.
The addition of new staff has increased Google’s UK headcount to 7,422 by the close of 2023. While this marks a 6% rise from the previous year, the pace is notably slower compared to 2022, when the company added more than 1,300 employees. Despite this slowdown, the focus on strengthening its UK base remains a priority for the tech giant, particularly as it continues to invest heavily in artificial intelligence.
A significant portion of Google’s AI advancements are being developed in the UK, with a substantial part of this work centered on the Gemini AI services. This is partially attributed to Google’s acquisition of the London-based AI company DeepMind in 2014. Notably, Demis Hassabis, co-founder of DeepMind, recently received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his pioneering work on proteins, further solidifying the UK’s role in Google’s AI development.
The company’s imminent relocation to the new King’s Cross office, which has been under construction since 2018, is a testament to its long-term investment in the UK’s infrastructure. The building will be capable of accommodating up to 7,000 employees and is slated for completion by the end of 2025. According to Google’s financial statements, there remains a capital commitment of £81.6 million for work yet to be completed on this project.
Amidst these developments, Google reported a 7.8% increase in UK revenues, reaching £2.8 billion in 2023. Additionally, pre-tax profits surged by a third, amounting to £374 million. These financial achievements occur against a backdrop of potential regulatory challenges in the United States, where Google faces scrutiny from the US Department of Justice for alleged monopolistic practices.
Google’s strategic expansion within the UK highlights its commitment to the region, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence.
