Supermarket Asda has said it will create more than 7,000 new jobs in 2009 as it expands the non-food format.
The chain is looking to recruit up to 3000 long-term unemployed through Local Employment Partnerships and Remploy – Asda's recruitment partner for people with disabilities and health conditions.

The supermarket will create 3,700 new jobs throughout the UK with the opening of nine new food stores, five new Asda Living outlets, its non food format, and extensions to 15 existing stores.

Walmart owned Asda hope the move will help provide full and part time roles for people who have been unemployed for more than six months and are finding it difficult to re-enter the labour market.

In addition 2000 new jobs will be created through the expansion of its home shopping business Asda.com, and a further 1000 new jobs through organic growth.

It will also continue to invest in its speciality business by creating 120 new roles in Asda pharmacies and optical centres nationwide.

ASDA's president and ceo, Andy Bond, said: "Our track record of recruiting and retaining people is second to none, which is why we have the lowest turnover and most motivated workforce in British retail."