Tesco’s Christmas jobs boost

Tesco has provided Welshpool with some early Christmas cheer by announcing a festive recruitment drive for the initial 200 jobs for its new store.

The Supermarket giant is due to open its Welshpool store in February next year and last night confirmed that Welshpool residents will receive first chance to fill the initial 200 jobs.

“A recruitment programme will be launched before the Christmas period so that 200 positions can be filled,” said Sophie Akokhia, Tesco’s Corporate Affairs Manager. “I am delighted to confirm that the residents of Welshpool will be the first to benefit from these employment opportunities since Tesco has a commitment to recruiting locally, as well as offering full and part-time positions to accommodate different people’s needs.”

Tesco has teamed up with Welshpool Town Council this week to provide an informative update leaflet which will be dropped into every Welshpool household over the coming days. The leaflet provides a timetable of milestones along with a map of the new development and one-way system which is to open in December 6.

Tesco also confirmed that the uncertain economic backdrop has stifled their progress in convincing other big names to join them in Welshpool.

“Positive discussions are ongoing with a number of national retailers,” Sophie confirmed. "Progress has been slower than expected due to the uncertain economic environment but the development team firmly believes that formal agreements will be in place in the next few months. We are committed to completing this final part of the regeneration programme at the earliest opportunity.”

The leaflet also outlines how the new development will be linked to the town centre with Mayor, Cllr Estelle Bleivas, commenting: “I look forward to spring next year when everything will be completed.”