Waitrose to create 10,000 jobs - graduate jobs

UK graduates may have the chance to join a thriving supermarket chain, as Waitrose plans to create over 10,000 jobs by opening 100 new stores.

The plans - part of a three-year £1 billion investment - will support the firm's ongoing drive to expand on its current 264 outlets.

Waitrose's managing director, Mark Price, unveiled the investment plans to David Cameron during a Conservative party conference meeting.

North England and Scotland will be allocated about 3,000 of the jobs, as the chain wants to continue building on its strong southern presence.

A new distribution centre will be built in Chorley, Lancashire, at a cost of £35 million, which is expected to create 600 jobs when it opens next autumn.

The centre will be able to make deliveries to 80 northern and Scottish stores.

"This new distribution centre will support the growth of our business, be a boost for the North West, create 600 new jobs for the region and make it possible for us to invest £1 billion in Britain over the next three years," Mr Price said.

Copyright Press Association 2011