Asda to create 7,000 new jobs

Asda has announced it will create 7,000 new jobs in the UK over the course of 2009, through a combination of opening new stores and extending existing ones.

The supermarket has become the latest in a line of retailers creating new positions despite the ongoing economic recession, with Tesco planning to create 10,000 new jobs.

Asda stated that approximately 3,700 jobs will be created by opening 14 new stores and extending 15 of its established outlets, according to the BBC.

Aditionally, 2,000 positions will be opened in its home shopping unit, with a further 1,000 created through organic growth. New positions will be both full-time and part-time.

The company said it is aiming to specifically target long-term unemployed people for 3,000 of the new vacancies.

Asda chief executive Andy Bond said: Our track record of recruiting and retaining people is second to none.”