Car dealers just the job
Car firm Arnold Clark today announced plans to create 700 jobs across the UK – including up to 20 at its Stafford branch.
Up to 75 jobs will be created across the West Midlands as part of the nationwide expansion plan.
In Stafford the company is looking to fill up to 20 positions, including new sales executives, at its Spitfire Close base which opened in October 2008.
Arnold Clark, which is Europe's largest independently-owned motor dealer, said all the jobs would be created by February 2010.
The new jobs are part of a plan designed to strengthen the business and bosses at the dealership said the jobs boost was a result of the revival in the car industry after the success of the Government's car scrappage scheme.
Across the UK the company is looking for 500 new sales jobs, 120 modern apprenticeships and 80 supporting roles to help the group's new sales developments and newly-acquired sites in the North of England.
The company sells in excess of 200,000 vehicles a year, employs over 8,000 members of staff and generates an annual turnover of over £2 billion.
Sir Arnold Clark, chairman and chief executive said: "With the global economy going through such a difficult period, our announcement today can only be seen as a positive step in helping to combat unemployment.
"The extra 700 jobs can partly be attributed to the stabilising of the car industry since the introduction of the Scrappage Scheme in May.
"We not only wish to employ 700 new members of staff but we are committed to investing heavily in training them."
Recruitment for the new jobs has started immediately and positions are also being created in Glasgow, Dundee, Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Manchester, Warrington and Huddersfield.
Chancellor Alistair Darling welcomed the news on a visit to an Arnold Clark plant today, saying: "The announcement by Arnold Clark of 700 new jobs across the UK is very good news.
"The UK car market is a vital part of our economy and that is why we introduced the car scrappage scheme at the budget. The scheme is providing a vital boost to the UK car industry at a time when it needs it most."
