1,200 apply for 79 jobs at new Cannock B&M store
Dozens of long-term unemployed were today celebrating returning to work as a discount store in Staffordshire welcomed its first customers.
B&M Stores opened its new branch at the former Lidl and Littlewoods store at 9am. Of the 79 new jobs created at Cannock , 90 per cent were given to people who have been struggling to find work for months.
Store manager John Paddock sifted through 1,200 applications for the posts.
Mr Paddock said: "Some of our staff have been unemployed for around five years, and some haven't even been given the chance of employment. It has made my year to be able to do this and give them the jobs. It is better than any bonus to be able to give these people a chance."
Cannock Chase Council leader George Adamson hailed the opening as a 'fantastic jobs boost' for the town.
"It is great news for Cannock and the fact they are giving jobs to the long term unemployed and helping in that way is great," he said.
Three new members of staff were formerly employed by Lidl and Littlewoods on the site in Church Street. Kath Hawkins, aged 47 of Huntington, worked for nine years at Littlewoods until it closed in September 2011. She has struggled to find work since being made redundant.
"It is strange that I am working back on the site but really good. I have tried to get a job since Littlewoods and have sent off so many applications but haven't been lucky. So it is fantastic being back in employment and back in retail," she said.
Chelsea Sherriff, of Rugeley, and Jake Allen from Great Wyrley, both aged 19, have struggled to find work since leaving education.
Miss Sherriff said: "I have sent off loads of job applications so am really excited to have this job."
Mr Allen added: "I have wanted to start work since finishing college but haven't been able to find anything. I am a little nervous about starting but know it will be great."
It was also revealed today the company will be looking to recruit more staff on a temporary contract basis, with a view to making them full time.
B&M has 331 stores across the country, up from just 20 stores six years ago. In the last three years, it has been opening an average of one new store every week. The company is now one of the UK's largest retailers with 2.5 million shoppers per week. It employs more than 13,000 staff.
