The opening of the new Primark store in Craigavon is now imminent as the retail giant has launched a recruitment drive.
It is understood the new outlet – which will be housed in the former Debenhams unit in Rushmere – is due to start trading in the coming months.
A full range of new jobs will be available when the shop is operational.
And the company has started to advertise these positions – full-time and part-time – as it aims for a quick turnaround and to fill the vacancies needed to launch the Co Armagh store.
Occupying a sales area of 30,000 m², work on the new Primark store began this summer and is nearing completion.
The outer panel still needs to go up but it will happen in the next few days.
Armagh I first revealed Primark’s plans to set up shop in Rushmere; the shopping center had been without an anchor tenant since Debenhams went out of business in May last year.
Center operator Central Craigavon Limited shut down all speculation in March when it said exclusively Armagh I that he was “delighted to announce that terms have been agreed with Primark for a new flagship store”.
“Primark is a fantastic addition to Rushmere,” manager Martin Walsh said at the time. “In all our research over the years, Primark is a brand that our customers are keen to see, and this announcement is testament to the success of the centre.
“We look forward to opening later in the year.”
Primark, meanwhile, said it was “delighted to create a new shopping experience for our customers in the region”.
There is no exact indication of the number of jobs on offer at present, but it is known to represent a substantial and very significant boost to the local employment scene. A wide range of responsibilities are offered.
The retailer is currently trying to recruit dozens of retail assistants. Full-time positions – for a 37.5 hour per week contract – offer hourly wages of £10.10 after a trial period. These roles involve eight-and-a-half-hour shifts, Monday through Friday, with start times of 10 a.m., 11 a.m. or 1:30 p.m.
Part-time contracts – offering the same pay scale – are 20 hours a week, again Monday to Friday, with these shifts to be worked in four-hour sequences.
Various weekend and evening shifts are available and would see workers undertake eight or 12 hours per week. These can take place over full nine-hour days on Saturday or Sunday, or over four-hour shifts in both cases. Evening shifts also last four hours – either 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. or 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The company is also looking for cashiers on part-time contracts of 20 hours per week and cashiers on weekends, for a total of eight hours. Pay after the probationary period is also £10.10 per hour.
Shop assistants for weekend positions – 12 hours per week – are to be recruited t00.
And operations support staff – who will report directly to the store manager – will act as the main point of contact “to help maintain a safe working environment in store”. Such a position – for a 30 hour working week Monday to Friday – will attract a salary of £10.61 per hour after the end of a probationary period.
According to the company: “Primark offers an attractive rate of pay, innovative training and development programs and a fun and lively environment. Primark is just a great place to work.
And the brand, in its job offers, highlights its global approach to employment by declaring: “We are fully committed to supporting people with disabilities in applying for our job offers. If you have a disability and require assistance throughout the recruitment process, you can contact us at disABILITY@primark.co.uk and let us know of any adjustments you may require.
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