Value retailer Matalan has revealed plans to hire 1,800 new staff.

The retailer will take on 300 permanent staff for its new stores at Cheetham Hill in Greater Manchester, Elgin in Morayshire and Colindale in north London and 1,500 temporary workers for the festive season.

Matalan, which has 203 stores, said the three new stores are the first of its expansion programme involving as many as 100 more over the next few years.

The clothing giant, which was taken private in 2006 by a company controlled by the family of founder John Hargreaves, said that it was creating jobs “at a time when this is really needed for the UK”.

Matalan has overhauled its stores and launched new ranges, such as Et Vous and Soon in womenswear, which helped it post operating profits up 14% to £102 million for the year to February 28.