Sainsbury's to create 800 jobs

Supermarket giant Sainsbury's today announced plans to create 800 jobs in Scotland as it opened its 1,000 UK store.

The new posts will be created over the next 18 months from new stores in Montrose and Pitlochry, an extension to its East Kilbride supermarket and opening of new Local stores.

Mike Coupe, Sainsbury's group commercial director, said as the new store opened in Irvine: "We are thrilled to be able to announce these new jobs today and we are sure that they will make a real difference to communities across Scotland.

"Since opening the first Sainsbury's in Scotland in 1984 we have gone from strength to strength and we now have over 8,000 colleagues working in nearly 60 stores. We are also a huge supporter of the wider Scottish economy, sourcing over £600 million of Scottish lines annually and stocking around 1,500 Scottish lines in our stores around the UK.

"The opening today at Irvine and the 800 jobs we will create is just part of our wider commitment to Scotland. Through the proposed Public Health Levy, Scottish Ministers are penalising one of the few sectors which continues to grow and create jobs and which is crucial to Scotland's economy."

PA