Morrisons to create 7,000 new jobs as it opens branches and warehouses
WM MORRISON Supermarkets said it will create over 7,000 new jobs next yet, as it opens 25 new stores and develops its manufacturing and logistics operations.
Britain’s fourth largest grocer behind J Sainsbury, Asda and market leader Tesco said many of the new jobs created next year will be skilled positions such as butchery, bakery and fishmongery.
Another 300 people will also be employed at Morrisons’ new Bridgwater regional distribution centre, which will provide food for the south west and south Wales.
The announcement comes after official data showed UK unemployment hit a new 17-year high in October.
Figures published by the Office for National Statistics show that unemployment rose 128,000 in the three months to October, hitting 2.64m.
The supermarket said typically more than half of its new employees at a new store are previously unemployed and 75 per cent are typically from the local area.
The group, which plans to open 25 new stores in 2012, said it will also insist that building suppliers also employ local people.