Asda to create 12,000 jobs over five years

The announcement came as Doug McMillon, president and CEO of Asda’s US parent company Walmart, met with Prime Minister David Cameron at one of the group’s London stores.

McMillon, who recently took on the top role at Walmart, is visiting the UK as the world’s largest retailer prepares to hold its first ever board meeting here.

Until recently, McMillon oversaw Walmart’s international operations.

He said: “It has been a pleasure to meet with the Prime Minister today and reaffirm Walmart’s commitment to investing in the UK. We know that the UK is a great place to do business and since Walmart acquired Asda 15 years ago we have been able to invest £8bn in the UK economy – creating over 100,000 jobs, opening 342 new Asda stores and bringing lower prices to millions of customers.

“A seismic shift in the structure of the retail market is underway – not just in the UK – but right across the world. Asda recognised the change in its market and took early action to develop and implement a strategy that will see it grow – creating more new jobs and bringing real value to more customers in the UK.”

Asda’s five year strategy has the potential to create up to 12,000 new jobs in parts of the country where Asda does not currently have stores.

David Cameron said: “Supporting business, creating jobs and cutting taxes are all part of our long-term economic plan. Yesterday, our tax reforms cut income tax for 26 million people and will help businesses to create jobs. I am delighted that Asda is continuing to invest heavily in the UK, creating another 12,000 jobs that will give people financial security for the future.”

Asda became part of the Walmart family, which operates over 11,000 stores globally and employs 2.1 million people, in 1999.