Leading UK retailer Tesco has announced that it is to create 20,000 new jobs in the UK over the next two years through what it has called a 'significant investment in customer service, refreshing existing stores and opening new ones'.
The group said that it was planning to deliver new levels of excellence in customer service across its stores, investing significantly in additional staff hours and training to boost the customer experience, with a particular focus on fresh produce, fresh meat, bakery and other counter services.
The new jobs also reflect a substantial programme to refresh hundreds of existing stores, improving space and layout and the overall shopping experience, as well as opening new stores, Tesco explained, with jobs coming from apprenticeships as well as full- and part-time jobs.
'In unprecedented economic conditions like these, major businesses have a big responsibility to step forward, invest and create jobs,' said UK CEO Richard Brasher. 'Today's announcement is a huge shot in the arm for the UK economy.
'At the core of this investment is our determination to deliver the best shopping experience for our customers, bar none,' he added. 'We will invest in more staff on the sales floor at busy times, greater expertise and help in the crucial areas of fresh food, and enhanced quality and service across our stores at all times.
'To deliver this we're going to strengthen our customer service team - 20,000 more staff across our stores over the next two years... our investment is a win-win for customers, unemployed young people and the UK economy as a whole.'
Welcoming the announcement of jobs and investment, UK Prime Minister David Cameron said: 'This is a massive confidence boost for the UK economy. Tesco is one of the world’s leading companies and the biggest private sector employer in this country. Their commitment to creating jobs and opportunities for young people at what is a difficult time for the economy is fantastic news for the UK as a whole and for those people they will help into work.'
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