MP meets new recruits at Sainsbury’s relaunched Cheadle store

A local MP met some of the 53 new colleagues who have found employment with Sainsbury's when he visited the retailer's newly extend Cheadle store this week.

Mark Hunter, MP for Cheadle, was given a guided tour of the supermarket by the management team after the store reopened on 5 September, following a 19,500 sq ft extension.

Mr Hunter said:

"This is a welcome job boost for the area. Sainsbury's are already an important local employer and it is excellent news that the store have recruited an additional 53 local workers, bringing the total number of employees to almost 300."

The MP is the latest in a host of local dignitaries to visit the improved store.

Ward councillors and representatives from local schools, charities and community groups attended a preview of the store on the eve of its relaunch last week.

The event included information on the various community activities undertaken during the store's construction and a guided tour, followed by a special cookerydemonstration from the Sainsbury's Try Team.

DavidGaffin, Sainsbury's Cheadle store manager, added:

"We are delighted so many key local figures have taken the time to come along and visit the improved store.

"During the construction period, we wanted to make a positive contribution to the localcommunity and hope we have built lasting relationships with organisations such as Cheadle Primary School and the Seashell Trust."

Sainsbury's received over 100 applications for the new positions at the store, bringing the total number of colleagues at the store to almost 300.

As part of the recruitment process, Sainsbury's worked with Remploy as part of 'You Can' - a scheme set up in 2008 to help people get back into work, including the long-term unemployed and others who face significant barriers to work.

The new extension has enabled the store to open new and improved counters, a café and has brought homeware, clothes and electrical goods to the store.