Supermarket a super boss

6:07pm Monday 13th October 2008

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In response to I Richard’s ‘Big stores do cost jobs’ letter (Times Opinion, September 11), I would urge him to look beyond one study into the effect of supermarkets on local economies.

In 1999, a study by design firm EDAW found superstore openings created rather than destroyed jobs. EDAW found between 165 and 236 jobs were created for each superstore opening. The Competition Commission’s report on supermarkets in 2000 comments that, overall, arguments asserting that supermarkets have damaged retail employment levels remain unsubstantiated. A recent Department of Communities and Local Government paper states that creating new retail opportunities in town centres can benefit the poorest in society if specific attention is paid to how to support those from poor neighbourhoods to compete for the new jobs created.

If approved, the New Barnet store will lead to the creation of about 400 new jobs, combining a mix of both part-time and full-time, offering flexibility to our colleagues. ASDA recruits colleagues on the basis of their personal attitude and enthusiasm, rather than qualifications. We provide training schemes and basic skills development, allowing all ASDA colleagues the opportunity to qualify for modern apprenticeships or NVQ level two.

We also encourage career progression and have promoted an average of 15 shop floor colleagues into management roles every week since 2005. In addition, we are the biggest private sector employer of over-50s in the UK. We are committed to providing help and support to all our colleagues throughout their career with ASDA and we are sure the provision of 400 extra jobs will have a positive impact for the community.

Tom McGarry, property communications manager, ASDA