Jobs boost as new store opens

Woolworths: A familiar sight on the high street

Two hundred and fifty jobs are to be created with the opening of a new Woolworths store in Belfast.

The Big W store, the first in Ireland, is due to open at the beginning of November in the Yorkgate Shopping Complex, near the city centre.

Stormont Minister for Employment and Learning Dr Sean Farren said the jobs would be a welcome boost for the local economy at this particular time.

"The management of Big W is to be congratulated for engaging with the local community to attract unemployed persons to fill these vacancies," he said.

I am delighted that the T&EA has been able to assist the new company

Dr Sean Farren

Dr Farren said the staff would have the opportunity to undergo training which would lead to NVQ's in a diverse range of subjects, from customer service to warehouse management.

"I am delighted that the T&EA has been able to assist the new company in its recruitment drive by providing offices for interviews, as well as making job application forms available for all potential employees throughout its network of job agencies in the area," he said.

Big W store manager Phil Ryan thanked the minister for his department's continued support.

He added: "We have been greatly assisted by the T&EA's North Belfast JobCentre in our set up operation.

"We were able to use their facilities for interview purposes and the dissemination of job application forms."