Ikea to open three new UK stores, creating 1,300 jobs

Swedish furniture giant Ikea will open three new stores in the UK by the end of next year, creating 1,300 new jobs by the end of 2018.

The stores will be set up in Sheffield, Exeter and London, and would increase the firm's total UK workforce to 11,700.

In a boost for the retail sector in Britain with Brexit negotiations due to begin this year, Ikea reaffirmed its commitment to investment in the region, despite several other multinationals having confirmed plans to move jobs to the continent.

The stores will be set up in Sheffield, Exeter and London

Greenwich will see the highest number of jobs created in its new store with 500 positions becoming available, while the Sheffield version will include 480 jobs. A further 350 jobs were announced in the Exeter store.

Gillian Drakeford, country retail manager for Ikea UK & Ireland, said on Wednesday: 2As we continue to expand, we're delighted to bring investment to new areas across the country and create new opportunities for local communities."

Ikea also said it would commit to paying all of its employees the Real Living Wage in the UK, which is currently set at £9.75 per hour in London and £8.45 per hour in the rest of the UK.