Tesco to create 20,000 jobs

Supermarket giant Tesco has announced that it is to create 20,000 new jobs in the UK over the next two years through a significant investment in customer service, redeveloping existing stores and opening new ones.

The firm, which already employs over 290,000 staff in the country, will invest immediately in additional staff hours and training to "boost the customer experience". This includes fresh produce, fresh meat, bakery and counter services that the company says that customers value the most.

"At the heart of this programme, Tesco plans to deliver new levels of excellence in customer service across its stores," the company said.

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Tesco plans on "refreshing" hundreds of existing stores, improving space and the layout of the overall shopping experience.

The new plan is expected to give opportunities to young, unemployed people, and has already been welcomed by Prime Minister David Cameron.

"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," he said.

"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."

The company will offer a leading pay and benefits package, being the first supermarket to break through the £7-per-hour barrier for store staff last year.

Tesco will be expanding its apprenticeship programme to provide 10,000 apprenticeships. The company assures that this is just the first stage in its planned new investment in the UK business.

"Our investment is a win-win for customers, unemployed young people and the UK economy as a whole," said Chief Executive Officer Richard Brasher.

BC