Tesco to create thousands of jobs in expansion strategy

The UK’s largest supermarket chain, Tesco, is to create almost 20,000 jobs over the next twelve months as part of a strategy to expand the company’s international operations.

The jobs will be created in new outlets throughout Europe and the Far East, as well as in stores closer to home in both the UK and Ireland.

The announcement comes after the company revealed pre-tax profits of £481m for the period up to June 11 – an increase of 14.2 per cent.Commenting on the results, Terry Leahy, Tesco Chief Executive, said: "These results underline the strength of our four part strategy – a strong core UK business, non food, retailing services and our international business plus the commitment of the whole Tesco team to create continued value for our customers".

Tesco was first established in 1919 from a grocery stall in the East End of London and has since grown steadily to become the largest food retailer in the UK, holding an estimated 15% share of the total market. Tesco is also the largest food retailer in the Republic of Ireland, serving over one million customers every week from its seventy-five stores. These include 32 stores in the greater Dublin region, 18 in the southern areas, 8 in the north, 13 in the midlands, and 4 in the west.

Tesco entered the Irish market in May 1997 when it purchased the British-owned Quinnsworth / Crazy Prices chain and Stewarts in Northern Ireland. (CL)