Hundreds seek Wilkinson jobs

More than 300 hopefuls flocked to a recruitment event today to find 130 staff to work in two new Wilkinson stores in the Sandwell borough.

Two new branches of the national chain store are due to open in Great Bridge and Cradley Heath in May this year, and there are 130 full and part-time jobs up for grabs including till supervisors and security workers.

More recruitment events will be held over three days from February 14 to 16, but today people were queueing at the doors of St Peter's Church, on Whitehall Road, in Great Bridge from 9am as staff were still setting up.

The new manager of the Great Bridge store, Maureen Averns, was thrilled with the turnout. She said: "We've been telling them about the jobs we've got going, helping them with the application forms and just answering any questions people have."

The discount chain store is taking over the branches of Kwik Save in Great Bridge and Cradley Heath.

Wilkinson staff were also talking to shoppers in Tipton and Great Bridge, handing out sweets and encouraging them to come along. Sabrina Donald, 22, of Smethwick, said she hoped a job at Wilkinson could lead to a career in retail. "I want to get some experience and full time work," she said.