14th Oct 11
Sainsbury’s aims to create 50,000 jobs
by Adam Richards
Something new: Sainsbury's in massive overhall of stock and staffing
Something new: Sainsbury's in massive overhall of stock and staffing
Supermarket giant Sainsbury’s hopes to create 50,000 new jobs 2020, increase its fair trade products and double the amount of British-produced food it sells under a new £1bn sustainability plan.
The retailer, which boasts 21 million customers and nearly 1,000 stores, described it as the most far-reaching and ambitious programme which the industry has ever announced, laying out 20 targets covering its employees, products and community work.
Initiatives will include reducing its energy use in supermarkets by using carbon-saving technologies, raising sales of fairly traded goods to £1bn, doubling the amount of UK-produced food sold from the present £4bn per year and ensuring suppliers of meat, poultry, dairy goods and eggs follow higher welfare standards.
The company also announced that 20,000 employees will have reached two decades of service by 2020, and at least 50 per cent of its workers will have undergone externally accredited training. The amount of staff members with shares in the firm will go up by 25 per cent, while 30,000 individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds will have been given employment opportunities.
Justin King, the retail giant’s chief executive, said that they are of the opinion that the 20 commitments represent the industry’s most ambitious sustainability targets. He explained that to meet the sustainability challenges which lie ahead, companies such as Sainsbury’s must invest in the future now.
Mr King went on to state that this plan is not seen as a luxury but an essential investment which will ensure they can continue to offer customers quality products at fair prices. He added that it is another step in helping their loyal shoppers live well for less.
The chief executive said the firm had achieved the majority of its commitments concerning corporate responsibility issues and wanted to look to the longer term in the way it conducts its business. He predicted that this will change the industry’s agenda.
Prime Minister David Cameron heaped praise on Sainsbury’s, saying it was attempting to create growth and jobs while, at the same time, tackling environmental and social issues.
The National Farmers Union’s president Peter Kendall said that sourcing more British food will send positive signals to the farmers at a time when they are facing enormous investment pressures. The Fairtrade Foundation’s executive director Harriet Lamb said that the retailer was building on its already impressive record regarding selling fair trade goods.
In addition, Sainsbury’s revealed that by 2020 it estimates it will have donated over £400m to charitable causes in a decade and encouraged over 20 million children to participate in physical activity
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