Royal Greenwich helps place residents into new jobs in flagship new stores

by WO Staff | Greenwich

Nearly 250 Royal Borough of Greenwich residents are starting new jobs in two major new stores opening in the borough after being referred through the Council’s job service.

Greenwich Sainsbury’s store plans move to Charlton.

(Credit: Charlton Champion).

GLLaB (Greenwich Local Labour and Business) has led recruitment for the new Sainsbury’s store in Charlton, which opened its doors last week, and is also involved in filling the majority of posts at the new Marks and Spencer at the same site, due to open next week.

The Sainsbury’s store has filled all of its 135 new posts with local applicants who were referred through GLLaB – all of whom live within three miles of the new store on Gallions Road in Charlton.

The store starting trading last week when Councillor Danny Thorpe, the Royal Borough of Greenwich’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Transport joined local MP Matthew Pennycook and other guests and staff for the official opening.

Councillor Thorpe said: “I’m delighted to have been present at the opening of the fantastic new Sainsbury’s store in Charlton and wish all the staff the best of luck as they open for business. Our partnership with Sainsbury’s has seen us secure another 135 new jobs for local residents, delivering on a key priority for the Council. The opening also shows that more than ever, the royal borough is the place where businesses of all sizes want to come and prosper.

Meanwhile the new Marks and Spencer store, set to open next week (July 9), has recruited 108 of its new staff through GLLaB – again ensuring these vacancies are filled by local people. Marks and Spencer traditionally recruits online but agreed to work with GLLaB to hire local people including those finding it hardest to get a job.

Councillor Sizwe James, Royal Borough of Greenwich Cabinet Member for Business, Employment and Skills said: “This is fantastic news and adds to the new jobs offered to local people by the new neighbouring store which opened last week. The Council is determined to work with new businesses and employers to ensure that residents have as many chances as possible to access training and job opportunities within the borough, as this is a key strand of our anti-poverty work.”

Gerald Lewis from Woolwich got his new job as a nighshift assistant at Sainsburys after being referred through GLLaB. He said “I had been looking for work since February but hadn’t been able to secure any. GLLaB explained that there would be jobs coming up at Sainsbury’s and that they would keep me updated. GLLaB sent my CV directly to Sainsbury’s and they invited me to an induction session. I was successful and started my new job. Everything has turned out just right – the hours and the location are perfect for me.”