Supermarket chain Asda has announced plans to invest heavily over the coming months, potentially creating thousands of new jobs.
The retailer - Britain’s second-biggest supermarket behind Tesco - intends to open 25 new shops this year, as well as revamping 43 existing stores and opening three new depots. Having taken on around 30,000 workers last year, Asda hopes to provide jobs for a further 5,000 in 2012.
While the majority of new outlets will be small and medium-sized supermarkets, Asda plans to devote around 600,000 sq ft of retail space to superstores and Asda Living shops. The company acquired 147 former Netto shops and their employees last year.
“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,” said prime minister David Cameron. “I also welcome Asda’s commitment to not only create jobs but invest in their staff.”
Rival Waitrose has also embarked on an extensive expansion programme in recent months, extending its reach by opening new stores in areas where it previously had no presence.
