Supermarket chain Asda said today it would create 4,300 jobs in the UK by the end of this year.

The group, which is part of US retailing giant Wal-Mart, said it was investing £400 million in new stores and relocations or extensions of existing branches.

The expansion and modernisation programme includes plans for the group's first purpose-built two-level superstore in the UK, at Huyton on Merseyside.

The retailer is also planning to upgrade stores at Manchester's Trafford Park, Cardiff and Tamworth in Staffordshire, among others.

Thursday May 13, 2004