One of the UK's major care providers has announced that it is seeking workers for up to a thousand new social care jobs in Northern Ireland and mainland Britain.

Recruiter magazine reports that the Priory Group, best known for its high profile alcohol and drug rehabilitation centres, is to make a significant expansion into the care homes sector. These will offer long-term, short-term and respite nursing care for both physically frail elderly people or those living with dementia related disorders.

It has announced a massive recruitment drive for a huge variety of jobs for at least 17 new care homes under development in Northern Ireland and at least three in England.

The bulk of the new roles are found in Northern Ireland, where the group has made its biggest investment - some £50m by the end of 2012. New care homes are to be built in Belfast, Coleraine, North Down and Ards, Craigavon and Ballymena, which will provide 1200 extra beds to the public.

"There is a clear need for high quality care homes for older people within Northern Ireland, and that presents a perfect opportunity for us," said Sharon Butler, the managing director of Priory care Homes in the initial announcement of the expansion.

The Priory Group has said that it will need qualified staff for housing management jobs as well as a range of residential support worker jobs, from therapists to chefs and registered mental health nurses.

"All staff will be professional, caring and enthusiastic" a spokesperson for the Priory Group told Recruiter, adding that many of the residents cared for by staff will likely suffer from dementia or other mental problems. "Home managers and qualified nurses must have the relevant professional qualifications."

According to the spokesperson, there will also be 200 new social and domiciliary care jobs created in England at three new homes in Norfolk, Lincolnshire and Hereford. These will each employ around 70 people.