27/07/2007
With the opening of its 50th store in Scotland at Johnstone on 30 July 2007, Morrisons will employ over 11,800 colleagues in Scotland. The most recent report by Scottish Business Insider highlights that Morrisons is now Scotland's third largest employer[1].
From Stranraer to Alness, Morrisons converted 42 former Safeway stores in 2005 and has opened a further eight stores since 2004 in Kilmarnock, Falkirk, Hamilton, Auchinlea,
Cardonald, Paisley, Livingston and Johnstone. In 2005 the company also established a new meat processing plant in Turriff, Aberdeenshire. With a further two store openings planned later in 2007 at Dundee and Erskine, more employment opportunities will be available with the company over the coming months.
Morrisons has more specialist staff in each area than in any other supermarket. In Scotland alone Morrisons customers can find:-
- 214 traditional bakers making fresh bread from scratch in what has been voted the best in-store bakeries[2].
- 181 fishmongers preparing over 110 different cuts of fish from a fishcounter where the fish has never been frozen, and what is considered to be the best seafood retailer[3].
- 246 butchers providing over 150 different cuts of meat, that is freshly cut on the day.
- Trained greengrocers and qualified beers wines and spirits managers[4].
David Gardener, director responsible for stores in Scotland said: "Morrisons is proud to serve Scotland and to be part of the Scottish community. It is fantastic news to hear that we have employed over 11,800 members of staff and I would like to take this opportunity to commend the efforts of all of our colleagues who have worked hard over the years to serve our Scottish customers." Morrisons tailor their food and drink offering to meet the demands of Scottish shoppers and offer over 500 dedicated Scottish products. Recognising that Scotland produces some of the finest food in the UK the supermarket now has established relationships with over 100 Scottish suppliers to ensure that it offers the best products to customers. All Morrisons fresh salmon is Scottish, as is all of its pre-packed lamb and beef. In season Scottish strawberries, raspberries and blackberries are available, and a wide range of locally sourced cheeses - such as Strathdon Blue and Arran Cheddar, plus an extensive range of fine whiskies - with over 30 single malts, are on offer.
[1] Scottish Business Insider 2004 [2] Bakery Industry Awards 2006 [3] Retail Industry Awards 2006 [4] Education Trust Intermediate Certificate