MORE than 40 previously unemployed people have been given jobs at Stourport’s new Tesco development in Severn Road.

The jobs were created as part of the supermarket’s Regeneration Partnership Programme in conjunction with Job Centre Plus, where a proportion of the jobs at a new store are reserved exclusively for the long term unemployed.

Mayor of Stourport, Councillor Cliff Brewer, handed out certificates to the stores 40 new recruits to celebrate the individuals graduating from the scheme.

Mr Brewer said: “I am delighted to congratulate Tesco on expanding their business and creating another 200 or so jobs as they move into new premises.

“One of the most enjoyable duties of mayor is to open new businesses and see a few jobs created, but when the new Tesco store in Stourport opens it will be by far the largest expansion and job creation we have seen for some time.

“Stourport is proud of all the new employees and the hard work they have put in to get the jobs.

“I wish them good luck and many happy years of secure employment.”

As part of the Regeneration Partnership Programme, the new employees had to complete a course at Kidderminster Academy under the tutelage of David Vickery, a job coach at Birmingham Metropolitan College, and Debbie Howard, Tesco partnership project manager.

The new recruits will join 50 existing employees of the Tesco Metro store in Lombard Street and store manager, Chris Collins, at the official launch ceremony on Thursday, September 25, at 10am.

Mr Collins said: “Regeneration Partnerships give long term unemployed people the chance to get on and get a career with Tesco.

“Our new colleagues will join 150 others in our new site in what is an extremely exciting project for us all.

“We are delighted with our new colleagues and we can’t wait to open our doors to the community and our customers.”

Building work started on the superstore in April this year, three years after Wyre Forest District Council’s planning committee gave the supermarket giant’s plans the go-ahead.

The store, based on the former Carpets of Worth site, was originally set for a 2012 opening, which was then delayed until 2013.

It will be open from 8am until 8pm Monday to Saturday and between 10am and 4pm on Sunday.