Asda pledge to employ 450 staff in Bognor store

The retailer is seeking to enter into a local employment partnership with the town's Jobcentre Plus concerning the 450 full and part-time jobs at its intented outlet.

The partnership would help to ensure the long-term and recently unemployed were given the chance to work in the planned store at Oldlands Farm in North Bersted, building on the success of partnerships in other areas where Asda has premises.

Available jobs would range from shop floor employment to managerial roles.

Asda recruits colleagues on the basis of their personal attitude and enthusiasm rather than qualifications, providing training schemes and basic skills development.

It also encourages career progression, and has succeeded in promoting an average of 15 shop floor colleagues into management roles every week since 2005.

Asda property communications manager Tom McGarry said: "Working in partnership with the Jobcentre Plus we will ensure that our new store, if approved, employs local people of all abilities.

"We want to make sure that currently unemployed residents, who are motivated and enthusiastic, have a way back into work."

The announcement of the partnership comes after Asda held two public information days at the Regis Centre last week while the company awaits consideration of its planning application by Arun District Council.

"We hope Arun will finally welcome our proposals which have a great deal of community support and will provide infrastructure and investment in these difficult economic conditions," said Mr McGarry.

"We have worked hard to engage with the local community and the council on our proposals and we have the support of Bersted Parish Council, the town council, and the chamber of commerce."

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