Morrisons is to create more than 5,000 jobs this year as part of its ongoing store expansion plans.

The grocer will create jobs across the business, including positions on its Market Street counters in butchery, fishmongery and bakery.

Morrisons group HR director Norman Pickavance said: “Working at Morrisons is not just a job, we’re providing people with real careers. Even in these challenging economic conditions, Morrisons is committed to hiring and training new people to keep retail as the engine room of the economy and support our continuing growth.

“The Fresh Food Academy will strengthen Morrisons' position as the UK’s leading proponent of retail craft food skills – skills which help people build a career and help Morrisons further increase the quality, value and service we provide to our customers.”

Morrisons’ Fresh Food Academy takes employees through a five-step career ladder and provides NVQ training.