The supermarket chain is to create 3,700 new jobs with the opening of nine supermarkets in 2009 as well as five new Asda Living outlets and extensions to 15 stores. The company will create a further 2,000 jobs through the extension of its home-shopping business and 1,000 through economic growth.
The first new store is to open in Bury St Edmunds in March and another supermarket is planned in Chelmsley Wood. Extensions are planned for Falmouth, Bedminster, Bradford and Wednesbury.
Andy Bond, president and CEO of Asda, said: "This year we will create 7,000 new jobs at a time when many companies are having to lay people off. We will also be helping 3,000 long-term unemployed get back to work by specifically targeting them for existing vacancies in our business."
Asda creates 7,000 jobs and targets long-term jobless
Asda will create 7,000 new jobs this year and recruit 3,000 long-term unemployed for existing vacancies.