Tesco promise for 350 local jobs
Tesco promise for 350 local jobs
Up to 700 jobs would be created at the new store
Hundreds of unemployed people could be helped back to work by a regeneration scheme proposed by Tesco.
The supermarket giant is hoping to get the go ahead for a new store in Kirkby, Merseyside, as part of a joint venture with Everton Football Club.
Tesco has promised half of the 700 jobs the store would create would be given to the long-term unemployed in Kirkby.
The plans have been opposed by some local residents and Everton fans who want the club to stay in Liverpool.
A planning application has been submitted to Knowsley Council for a new 50,000-seat ground, Tesco extra store and up to 50 other retail units.
Kirkby Residents Action Group say they will call for a public inquiry
Tesco call the scheme a regeneration partnership.
Using local training providers, participants on the scheme will be offered a 6 to 8 week training course, after which they will be guaranteed a job in the store.
Tesco corporate affairs manager Michael Kissman said: "We have said all along that we will provide jobs for local people and this is how we are doing it."
Local MP, George Howarth, said: "I welcome this announcement because it is a clear commitment from Tesco that shows how the jobs created by this project would go to those who need them most, the long term unemployed from the local area.
"Kirkby residents have told me that, if the proposal does go ahead, they would want the proposed Regeneration Partnership to deliver real jobs to local people."
Kirkby Residents Action Group has opposed plans for the new stadium on this site, claiming it would create a huge volume of match day traffic, impact on the environment and create a loss of green space.
