Jobs boost at charity superstore
Up to 40 new jobs are to be created at a Cannock charity thanks to the recession. Newlife Foundation has seen a surge in trade as more people hunt for bargains.
The jobs will be created in data processing, sales and the warehouse at the superstore in Hemlock Way, Hawks Green. The charity is also in talks over extra space to help cope with a surge in new products.
The charity has been offered around 250,000 garments by an existing corporate supporter.
Chief executive officer Sheila Brown OBE said: "Superstore shoppers want to get a great bargain at the moment, so we are driving through even more stock to the sales floor.
"This means we need to process more stock, creating jobs in our warehouse, data processing posts, sales and some associated management posts."
She said eight local, long-term unemployed people had already been taken on.
The superstore sells a range of goods from clothes to homewear. Proceeds go to help disabled children across the country.
It also supports their carers and funds medical research.
But the charity's gain is local businesses' loss.
Karen Peake, who launched Athena Gowns with her daughter Joanne Davis and daughter-in-law Helen Peake in August was forced to close the Queens Square store last Saturday.
She said: "Our dresses weren't outrageously expensive, but they're still a luxury buy I suppose."
