Latest news: Tesco creates 20,000 jobs

The supermarket giant plans to recruit for the new roles over the next two years, after choosing to invest in customer service and new stores. 05/03/2012

At the heart of this programme, Tesco plans to deliver new levels of excellence in customer service across its stores. Starting immediately, the supermarket will invest significantly in additional staff hours and training to boost the customer experience - including on fresh produce, fresh meat, bakery and the counter services that customers value the most.

The new jobs also reflect a substantial programme to refresh hundreds of existing stores, improving space and layout and the overall shopping experience, as well as opening new stores.

In strengthening its customer service team by 20,000 new recruits, Tesco expects to focus on giving opportunities to young people currently unemployed. As well as providing a crucial first rung on the career ladder for each individual, this move will be a major step in tackling the current record levels of youth unemployment.

Tesco will also give young people the opportunity to carry on learning by expanding its apprenticeship programme to provide 10,000 apprenticeships, with a significant proportion for new starters.

These announcements are the first stage in Tesco’s planned new investment in the UK business.

‘This is a massive confidence boost for the UK economy. Tesco is one of the world’s leading companies and the biggest private sector employer in this country. Their commitment to creating jobs and opportunities for young people at what is a difficult time for the economy is fantastic news for the UK as a whole and for those people they will help into work,’ said Prime Minister David Cameron.