Partner Article

Asda announce 5,000 new jobs

Asda has announced plans to recruit 5,000 new jobs this year, on top of the 30,000 jobs created by the grocer last year.

The supermarket is expected to launch a comprehensive online recruitment process to find the staff to fill 25 new stores, planned for development this year, along with extension and refurbishment of around 43 existing stores.

£500m will be invested over the course of the year, increasing Asda’s selling space by 600,000 sq ft.

Prime Minister David Cameron welcomed the announcement, saying: “The additional investment and 5,000 new jobs announced by Asda today will be a real boost for the economy and more importantly for people around Britain seeking jobs.

“I also welcome Asda’s commitment to not only create jobs but invest in their staff too; offering employees the chance to join an apprenticeship scheme to gain skills which will benefit them throughout their career.”

The changes will be through all of Asda’s store types, including superstores, small format supermarkets and Asda Living, and follows the absorption of the Danish discount chain Netto into the portfolio last year.

As part of the recruitment, a number of City & Guilds apprenticeships will be offered for young people.

Andy Clare, President and CEO of Asda, commented: “I am delighted to be able to start 2012 on such a positive note, doing what we do best, creating new jobs, working with new communities and bringing Asda’s low prices to families who need the value we can bring.

“I look forward to seeing these new stores and depots open for business and welcoming new colleagues and customers to our team.”

Speaking to employees at Asda’s main centre in Leeds, President and CEO of Waltmart International, Doug McMillon, added: “Our continued investment is because we see tremendous opportunity in front of us.

“I’m proud of the difference you’re making and that we can make an even bigger difference in the lives of our customers and the communities we serve.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .