Safeway creates 6,000 jobs

Safeway has created more than 6,000 jobs in six months as it has captured an ever increasing market share, the supermarket operator claims.

Sales growth has outperformed the market average for 15 consecutives months, the firm said in its half year results statement.

The firm's share of UK supermarket trade has risen 0.2% to 9.7%, with Scottish customers and buyers of fresh food proving particularly partial to Safeway outlets.

Sales in the six months to mid-October grew 5%, year on year, with pre-tax profits 10% hoigher at £166m.

The figures come a year after Safeway launched a restructuing strategy.

More follows.