Pharmaceutical and healthcare company GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) is continuing to invest in recruitment despite economic uncertainty, says Claire Thomas, senior vice president, human resources, GSK.

This year 292 university students have joined GSK under a programme whereby each individual is assigned a manager to oversee their training and development. Of these undergraduates, 280 are on a one-year work placement in a variety of roles. The remaining students placed on three-month summer programmes.

Thomas says: “Attracting and retaining talented individuals is a key focus for us at GSK and, despite the economic downturn, we have continued to invest in recruitment. Engaging with students from an early, formative stage helps us develop relationships with key talent and we believe helps position us as an employer of choice.”