Retail giant Asda have announced it is to invest over £500m in its UK stores creating some 5,000 jobs across the country.

The supermarket confirmed plans to open 25 new stores across and three depots in 2012 as well as extend and refurbish 43 of its existing stores.

Welcomed the announcement, the Prime Minister David Cameron said: "The additional investment and 5,000 new jobs announced by Asda today will be a real boost for the economy and more importantly for people around Britain seeking jobs.


“I also welcome Asda’s commitment to not only create jobs but invest in their staff too; offering employees the chance to join an apprenticeship scheme to gain skills which will benefit them throughout their career.”

Asda’s new stores will add over 600,000 square feet of net selling space to Asda, through superstores, small format supermarkets and Asda Living.

Asda said it expected its investment plans for 2012 to create around 5,000 new jobs for local people, with eligible colleagues given having the opportunity to undertake a City and Guilds apprenticeship.

(DW)