 Asda is the UK's second largest supermarket |
Supermarket group Asda has announced plans to recruit almost 3,000 new staff across the UK. Around 800 new jobs will be created in Northern Ireland, which will see the biggest boost from the expansion.
And �10m will be invested on recruiting an extra 2,000 staff across Britain. The group, which has 289 stores, is also expected to open new ones.
The decision comes despite a report that showed Asda's earnings missed targets amid fierce UK competition.
Mike Duke, head of international operations at Asda's parent company Wal-mart said that "Asda sales and profit fell short of the plan" during the most recent quarter.
He continued that "the UK market continues to be very competitive and challenging".
Good news
Asda's retail director, Andy Clarke, said the company was "delighted to provide this additional jobs boost".
On average, each of the group's 289 stores will take on seven new people.
During the coming 10 days Asda are set to open four more stores in Northern Ireland, as well as another five in England and Wales.
The recruitment drive follows strong trading at the first six of the 12 stores acquired by parent company Wal-Mart from Morrison earlier this year.
The creation of more jobs was announced as parent company Wal-Mart reported its third quarter results.
One-Minute World News 
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