Long-term jobless get chance at new West Bromwich Tesco Extra store
A recruitment drive for the first of 400 new jobs at West Bromwich's multi-million pound Tesco Extra store, which will help the long term unemployed back into work, has been launched.
People who have been out of work for more than six months are being given the first chance to apply for jobs at the store at the £200 million New Square development through the supermarket giant's "regeneration partnership" jobs initiative.
The store has teamed up with Sandwell Council and Jobcentre Plus to form the partnership with the aim of recruiting a third of the positions specifically for local people. People can now apply for the jobs through the Jobcentre.
The remaining positions within the store will be advertised later on Tesco's website. The store is due to open in June and Jonathan Simpson, Tesco corporate affairs manager, said: "The Tesco store provides an opportunity to improve job prospects and training to local people.
"We have selected this store as part of our regeneration partnership initiative that involves working on the ground with local channels to increase opportunities for people who have struggled to secure employment previously.
"Successful applicants will undertake an eight week training scheme that offers useful skills including health and safety, customer service and additional training. This follows an assessment and standard interview."
