Ponteland jobs created in Waitrose takeover

Jan 16 2009 by Dave Black, The Journal

NEW retail jobs are to be created in Ponteland following a takeover of the town’s Somerfield store by Waitrose.

The Ponteland supermarket is one of 13 Somerfield stores across the country which have been acquired from the Co-op by Waitrose.

The company says it is planning to create a number of additional jobs when it relaunches the 12,095sqft Main Street store by late May.

All current Somerfield employees will be offered the chance to join Waitrose, part of the John Lewis Partnership, which means they will become co-owners of the business and receive an annual share in profits.

Waitrose has entered into a conditional agreement with the Co-operative Group to buy the 13 stores, and will also open at least nine new branches this year.

Last night Waitrose managing director Mark Price said: “We’re delighted to be coming to Ponteland as part of the biggest period of growth in the history of Waitrose.

“I’ve been overwhelmed by the number of letters I’ve received asking for a Waitrose in Ponteland, demonstrating there is a strong demand for quality food in the area.

“We are delighted to be creating a number of new jobs in the area and look forward to welcoming those from Somerfield to share in the unique benefits of the John Lewis Partnership.’’

More than 1,000 Somerfield employees at the 13 stores will now join Waitrose, with a further 500 jobs created at these branches nationwide.

The nine new stores will result in more than 2,000 jobs.