900 applicants for 33 Shrewsbury Waitrose jobs

More than 900 people have applied to work at Shrewsbury's first Waitrose store which is due to open in the town centre next week.

The 33 positions available at the convenience store on Pride Hill have attracted phenomenal interest from Shropshire people after they were advertised on the company's website.

The retailer has also worked with Jobcentre Plus to find employment for priority cases.

A grand opening of the store is due to take place on May 12.

Simon Airey, president of Shrewsbury Business Chamber, said the new development would be a valued investment to the area as well as boost employment.

He said: "We are pleased to welcome Waitrose to our town centre which will give a valued boost to the local area. The recent quality business investment in the area shows just how important our thriving town is for coveted companies such as Waitrose."

All new employees will become partners in the John Lewis Partnership, entitling them to a say in how the business is run, and an annual share in profits, which this year saw employees receive the equivalent of more than nine weeks' wages in bonus. Bosses at Waitrose have also today confirmed it will donate £6,000 a year to local charities and projects selected by Shropshire people as part of its Community Matters initiative.

Barbara Parker, who will be managing the store, said: "We have been overwhelmed by the sheer number of applications and the calibre of those applicants has been fantastic. We only wish that we could create even more jobs in the area.

"I am confident that our store will make a really positive contribution to Shrewsbury, not only through the creation of jobs in the local area but through investing in the heart of Shrewsbury and supporting local causes."