Asda is set to build 18 new stores over the course of 2007 and create 8,000 jobs.
As a result of the new store building programme over 4,000 jobs will be created while a further 2,000 jobs opportunities will arise via Asda's new Seasonal Plus Scheme - intended to give both current employees and customers additional support during peak trading periods such as Christmas.
A further 2,000 jobs will be created through organic growth across the company.
Judith Mckenna, chief financial officer of Asda, said: "This is a major investment that will enable Asda to provide even better service and great value products to more people across the UK than ever before."
The food-store chain also plans to carry out major improvements and extensions at 15 existing stores and roll out "the successful non-food format Asda Living to a further 10 sites within the next 12 months".
News of the expansion was announced this week by Asda president and chief executive officer Andy Bond, after the supermarket's parent company Wal-Mart released its full year financial results.
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