The Co-op, good with jobs

The Co-operative Group is to create 1,700 management jobs in its food stores over the next few months, the company announced yesterday.

Acquisitions of stores from other retailers and co-operative societies mean that management structures differ widely, the firm said.

The posts are in addition to plans to expand the Co-op's food store network in the next three years, which will create some 7,000 jobs.

Chief executive Tim Hurrell said: "We're adopting a consistent approach that is appropriate to the size of each store and will help us meet our goal of delivering excellent service.

"The net effect is a gain of 1,700 jobs and these will be at management level. Where we fill these roles internally it will create opportunities at all levels." Some stores will see a reduction in the number of management roles, however.