The UK-based company is expanding its worldwide workforce by 4,000 as it anticipates further rapid growth in internet use and e-commerce.

It is also to retrain and redeploy another 4,000 of its exisiting workforce.

ICL expects to see growth in systems and appliances that use the internet over the coming years.

It is already involved in developing the Screenfridge, which allows users to send and receive e-mail, watch television, pay bills and handle personal banking.

The prototype device is expected to be launched in the year 2000.

The use of internet-compatible televisions and mobile phones is also seen as an area of enormous potential growth.

Last year, the company struck a deal with computer giant Microsoft to develop new "consumer-friendly" software systems for government, education and commerce.

ICL, which reported profits of £41m on a turnover of £3.36bn in 1999, plans to float on the stock market next year.