UK’s 7,000 job boost

On the same day that the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed the UK economy grew by 0.8% in the first quarter of 2014, companies such as KFC, EY and Asda are to create more than 7,000 jobs as they begin hiring across new locations.
Tue, 29 Apr 2014 | Matt Bodimeade On the same day that the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed the UK economy grew by 0.8% in the first quarter of 2014, companies such as KFC, EY and Asda are to create more than 7,000 jobs as they begin hiring across new locations.

Fast food chain KFC says it plans to open 150 new outlets in the UK and Ireland, creating as many as 6,000 full and part-time catering jobs.

The fried chicken business will spend £21m on opening 32 new stores, creating 1,300 jobs this year alone.

Martin Shuker, managing director at KFC UK & Ireland, says: “The key to our growth is our people. You can build a meaningful career at KFC, and we are offering an alternative route to higher education.”

KFC partners with children and young people’s charity Barnardo’s with a programme to help disadvantaged young people get a foot on the jobs ladder.

The chain already receives 400,000 job applications a year in the UK and Ireland. In the current financial year, it had 1,200 applicants for just 10 graduate positions.

In Northern Ireland, professional services firm EY is opening a new business unit in Belfast, creating almost 500 jobs.

Many of the new vacancies at EY will be graduate jobs, but the company will also be recruiting experienced auditors, consultants and advisers to liaise with clients.

A further 400 jobs could also be in the pipeline if Asda is granted planning permission to open its new Redditch store, the supermarket has revealed.

The local economy stands to potentially benefit hugely if planning permission is given the go-ahead for the new Asda and B&Q site. The Asda store will create new jobs for local people, while B&Q’s plans safeguard existing jobs at its nearby Smallwood store.

In addition, a report released today by the Scottish government has revealed the revamping and building of venues for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games has created 6,000 jobs.

Glasgow was awarded the Games in November 2007 and in the period since, it is claimed, 5,000 Games-related training and job opportunities have been created, including for young people and long-term unemployed.

The report also shows urban regeneration firm Clyde Gateway has created about 200 jobs and a £10m economic boost on average in each of the six years leading to the Games.

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