Ikea to start search for 350 workers for new Sheffield store later this year

Ikea is to start advertising hundreds of job vacancies for its new Sheffield store later this year.
Artist's impression of planned new Ikea store on Sheffield Road, Tinsley, Sheffield, next to Meadowhall Retail Park.Artist's impression of planned new Ikea store on Sheffield Road, Tinsley, Sheffield, next to Meadowhall Retail Park.
Artist's impression of planned new Ikea store on Sheffield Road, Tinsley, Sheffield, next to Meadowhall Retail Park.

Documents submitted to Sheffield Council indicate the Swedish furniture giant is looking for around 350 employees for the store, with around 80 to 90 per cent of the jobs created being new vacancies.

It said it is intended vacancies will be advertised through local job centres and employment agencies between July 2016 and May 2017.

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The company will also work with Sheffield Council to arrange local careers fairs.

The news comes after it was revealed Ikea has pencilled in an opening date for its new store near Meadowhall of July 2017, with construction work potentially due to start in the next few weeks.

In addition, Ikea plans to offer work experience placements, internships and apprenticeships after it opens, while there will also be a graduate programme for management-level roles.

The report said: “Ikea will endeavour to employ at least 60 per cent of all staff from those residents in Sheffield and within a travel-to-work area.”

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In Sheffield, Ikea needs to get permission for the highways alterations both around the site of the store at the old factory site close to Meadowhall retail park and changes to deal with increased traffic around junction 34 of the M1 before construction work can start.

It is hoped construction of the 37,000 sq ft superstore on Lock House Road can begin once Sheffield Council’s planning committee approves the plans, with a decision due by May 3.

News of the store’s imminent arrival has been welcomed by Star readers on Facebook.

Ann Perkins said: “Not an Ikea fan but it will bring jobs both during construction and when open.”

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Andy Hyde said: “I live next to the site and equipment and machinery is already arriving. I would imagine that works are very much about to start.”

Suzie Robinson added: “About time, it has took long enough Sheffield City Council dragging its heels again and Sheffield needs more investment.”

Kieron Holmshaw said: “Just need HS2 to be moved into the town centre and all will be good.”

But concerns have been raised about the likely traffic congestion around Meadowhall the new store will bring.

Rachel Dickens said: “It’s going to bring an awful lot of air pollution.

“I would rather travel further for better health.”