UK retailer Sainsbury’s is to become the first British retailer and largest employer to offer its entire workforce of 150,000 colleagues the opportunity to gain nationally recognised qualifications, supporting the UK Government’s strategy to boost skills amongst the workforce. The supermarket’s chief executive, Justin King and Secretary of State for Skills, John Denham, launched the nationwide initiative which is open to all new and existing colleagues. The Level 1 numeracy and... ...Read more »

Sainsbury’s has opened its flagship “green” store, built with consideration for the use of energy, water, waste, timber and land. The store is aiming to be one of the first supermarkets to achieve a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating for its commitment to sustainable construction, and has been specifically designed to reduce the amount of CO2 emitted into the atmosphere. The pioneering store will save 40% of its overall CO2 emissions. This will be achieved by using cutting edge technology... ...Read more »

Dairy farmers must be ready to take on the retailers if the latest round of supermarket milk price cuts threatens to damage farmgate prices, the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) dairy board chairman has advised. The price ward between the major supermarkets has come at a time when discount supermarkets have been gaining popularity due to the credit crunch. Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Asda have been at the forefront of the battle, with offers such as sausages for 8p each and the promotion of a... ...Read more »

In a move believed to be a world first, 37 of the UK’s leading food and consumer goods companies yesterday announced a major transport collaboration that will significantly reduce the environmental impact of transporting food and groceries in the UK. Initiatives such as sharing vehicles and more efficient warehousing will result in the industry saving 48 million miles of travel by the end of 2008 alone - equivalent to removing 800 lorries from Britain’s roads - and conserving 23 million... ...Read more »

Archie Norman, the former boss of UK retailer Asda, continues to lure high profile executives to assist Coles with their re-development. Mr Norman has been hired as a consultant by Wesfarmers to assist with the Coles turnaround and has already been instrumental in hiring of former Asda employee Ian McLeod to the position of CEO. The Asda influence is particularly strong with announcements that former Asda colleagues, Joe Blundell and Gavin Parker, will join Mr McLeod’s team in the positions... ...Read more »