Sainsbury's bringing 280 posts to the region

Up to 280 jobs are on the way to Staffordshire and the West Midlands as supermarket giant Sainsbury's expands across the region, it was announced today.

Eighty posts are being created in Cannock alone as the town centre store is enlarged. Two other stores in the region are also being expanded and a new one is being built.

The chain is investing heavily in the region following news of big profits.

Stores in Wednesfield and Kidderminster – and a new supermarket is being created at Wolverhampton's flagship new bus station.

Work is progressing at Cannock's branch in Voyager Drive on the Orbital Retail Park, which already employs 400 people.

A new mezzanine level is being installed as well as an extension to the shop floor, a new entrance, restaurant, deli counter and new clothing department. Work is due to Sainsbury's spokeswoman Joyce Yip said: "By investing in a number of our stores across the region, we can provide an improved shopping environment for our customers while boosting job opportunities for residents who live near our stores."

The Kidderminster store in Carpet Trades Way is expanding and will need 100 extra workers. The store on Rookery Street, Wednesfield, is also earmarked for a 21,600sqft extension which will see up to 80 new positions created and will include a new cafe.

The petrol station would also be moved to another part of the site.

A new Sainsbury's Local is also planned for Wolverhampton Bus Station which will create in the region of 20 to 25 jobs.

The company is also trying to secure planning permission for a new store on Raglan Street in Wolverhampton which will create around 190 positions.