Jobs bonanza

CHECK it out . . . the new Tesco store on Huddersfield Road

340 extra staff check in at new Tesco store

OLDHAM’S giant new Tesco Extra has created 340 jobs — with 120 going to the long-term unemployed.

The flagship Huddersfield Road store, part of the popular Hill Stores shopping area, is set to open its doors to the public on Monday, May 11.

At 102,000 sq ft over three floors, it will be the biggest store of its kind in the North-West offering a huge range of products.

Store manager Dominic Carey (33) said: “I am very proud to be playing a part in bringing this fantastic new Tesco Extra store to Oldham.

“My main aim is to deliver the Tesco values, which include giving customers superb service and low prices and providing a vast range of quality products. Customers can expect a clean, bright, spacious and modern store with a fast and friendly service.”

Mr Carey, who is originally from Bolton, was previously manager at Tesco stores in Leeds, Altrincham and Southport.

The round-the-clock store, which replaces an original smaller store also on Huddersfield Road, has already been an amazing jobs success and in addition to the existing 200 staff, has created 340 brand new jobs

Mr Carey added: “We had 2,000 applications in four days. The response was phenomenal.

“We are determined that the new store will not only help regenerate the Huddersfield Road area but will also give our customers a store of which they can be very proud.”

Civic leaders have already welcomed the Regeneration Partnership project, which saw more than 120 local residents given jobs via a unique programme involving, among others, Oldham Council and Jobcentre Plus.

The new store has two huge car parking areas which can cater for 880 vehicles.

With 40 check-outs, it will also be among the first in the UK to have a special Finance Centre for offering banking and mortgage advice to shoppers.

Construction firm Bowmer Kirkland has also built six retail units for local businesses adjoining the store as part of the site development programme.

The temporary Tesco store will close on May 10 to make way for a petrol station forecourt during a further 16-week development programme.

The new store will be open 24-hours-a-day from Monday to Saturday and from 10am-4pm on Sundays.