Morrisons has announced it will create 7,000 new jobs next year by opening new stores and developing its manufacturing and logistics businesses.
There are six million households that do not have a Morrisons within easy driving distance and the retailer wants to change this by opening 25 stores in 2012.
The retailer claims a large number of the the job vacancies will be in craft skills jobs such as butchery, bakery and fishmongery.
Typically, more than half of the new employees at a new store are previously unemployed and 75 per cent are from the area local to the store, it said.
A new regional distribution centre in Bridgwater will employ 300 people working to provide food for much of the South West and South Wales.
Norman Pickavance, group HR director at Morrisons said: “Despite the difficult economic conditions, Morrisons continues to have ambitious growth plans and that means we will be searching for people to join us in the communities in which we operate.
“At a time when the number of young and long-term unemployed continues to increase we will provide opportunities for many people and help them build a career in retailing. That means we won’t just be providing a job we’re committed to training our new colleagues so that they have the capability to move from the shop floor to the top floor.
“We feel that the catalyst we are providing is key to moving people from being excluded to being included by providing people with work, dignity and opportunity.”
Morrisons also said it will be continuing its Futures Programme to hunt for 1,000 leaders of the future.
No comments yet