Screwfix to recruit 800 people for new stores

The chain will be recruiting sales assistants and management positions for its new stores as well as giving new recruits the chance to join its apprenticeship scheme, which currently trains 850 staff in areas including retail management and human resources.

The boss of Screwfix said the expansion plans are responding to the demand from tradespeople who need tools.

Kingfisher's boss said last month that the post-pandemic shift to working from home would continue to fuel the DIY boom.

Screwfix chief executive John Mewett said: We know how busy tradespeople are and how important it is to be able to find a Screwfix store close to the site.

In opening more stores across the UK and Ireland, we are making Screwfix more accessible for tradespeople, so they can get their job done quickly, affordably and right first time. We're delighted to have a positive impact on local communities, creating more than 800 jobs for local people. The company reported a rare drop in sales at its Screwfix stores in the three months to the end of January, but fell by 4.2% in that period. The retailer's growth plans have not been hindered by cost pressure as it pushes ahead with expansion. The additions this year will take its total stores to 870, as Screwfix opened 70 new shops in 2021. In March, Screwfix announced it would increase minimum staff pay by 5.4% to 9.70 an hour, coming into effect April 1 and is just above the new minimum wage of 9.50.