M&S to create 60 local jobs (From Free Press Series)

M&S to create 60 local jobs

RETAIL giant Marks and Spencer will bring 60 new jobs to Monmouth when it opens a store in the town at the end of the year.

The company estimate this level of staffing will be needed for the store, which will occupy 5,000 sq ft of retail space, and most staff will be recruited locally.

Refurbishment of the old Len Hunt Motors building in Monnow Street is now well underway and it is hoped the work will be complete by October.

Marks and Spencer will create one of the chain's Simple Food stores in Monmouth, just a stones throw away from Waitrose supermarket.

The store, which will be ready for an anticipated opening by the end of November, plan to sell the latest food and wine ranges.

A spokesperson for Marks and Spencer said: "From the size of the store, and compared to other stores of a similar size 60 staff is a good estimate.

"We will not know a final figure until we have created all the job specifications for the store. This will happen nearer the opening."

Monmouth's Mayor, Councillor Sue White, said: "I hope they are going to go for the younger unemployed because they are the ones who really need jobs.

"I am pleased to here that they are coming to the town, Monmouth needs new jobs and I would be pleased with this news whether I was Mayor or not."

Alfie Goodrich, local resident and creator of the new business and community web service for Monmouth Town Crier, said: "There's little doubt that the arrival of M&S in Monmouth is significant. After all, why would a company at the spearhead of its greatest drive in recent times for new markets and new customers invest in a dead town?"