Prime minister David Cameron has welcomed plans by supermarket chain Asda to create 5,000 new jobs in a £500 million expansion drive over the next 12 months.
The group's plans will see it open 25 stores, refurbish 43 existing outlets and also invest in three new depots during 2012 which will create the new staff. The company managed to create 30,000 new jobs last year through a similar expansion plan.
It appears that what has impressed Mr Cameron the most is the fact that the company intends to not only create the jobs but then also invest in skills once the jobs have been filled.
Mr 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."
Asda is currently the UK's second-biggest supermarket chain.