Store's growth brings 80 jobs (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Store's growth brings 80 jobs

AN EXTENSION to one of Swindon's biggest supermarkets has created more than 80 new jobs.

The Tesco Extra store in Ocotal Way has been given a new first floor, expanding the shop from 65,000 sq ft to 102,000 sq ft.

And, to run it, a further 80 people will be employed.

So far more than 600 people have applied for jobs as part of the recruitment programme at the store.

Store manager Adrian Hunt said that the quality of applicants has been very high, with candidates applying for vacant positions across all departments from security postings, to counter staff, customer services and check-out personnel.

He said: "The new jobs that have been created as a result of our new first floor extension will enable many people to enjoy a successful and fulfilling career with Tesco.

"We offer a complete and comprehensive training programme to support both full and part-time workers, as well as the added convenience of flexible working hours."

The new jobs mean the store will employ a total of 729 people.

Once complete, the new first floor will house a range of home and leisure departments, including a full range of family clothing by Tesco exclusive designers Cherokee and Florence and Fred, in addition to value and seasonal lines.

The first floor extension will also include a new jewellery counter, an improved homeware department, a cookshop and customer caf.

But the company also says there will be a wider choice of items in other departments throughout the store.

It also says the extension will mean the Tesco Extra Swindon will soon have one of the biggest home and leisure ranges of any UK Tesco store.

Mr Hunt added: "We hope the changes to the store will deliver what customers want and I am confident our customers will be happy with the improvements."

The newly extended store will be re-launched on Monday, November 7.

Anthony Osborne