Supermarket chain Asda is to create 7,000 new jobs.

In a statement, Asda said it would work with government and private recruiters to find full and part time work for people that have been unemployed for more than six months.

Asda added that it plans to open nine new stores, while its online division will hire 2,000 new staff.

Elsewhere, satellite broadcaster BSkyB is to create 1,000 jobs as it prepares for the roll-out of its high-definition television service.