Asda, Debenhams, M&S and other major retailers to create 2,000 festive jobs in Northern Ireland

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2,000 extra staff will be recruited for the festive season by retailers including Asda, Debenhams, Marks and Spencer, Next, Sainsbury's, Tesco and Toys R Us

Retailers in Northern Ireland are due to face higher business rates from April 2012 under plans from the Northern Ireland Executive.

The Northern Ireland Retail Consortium (NIRC) warns the proposed Large Retailer Levy would increase the operating costs for businesses which are otherwise well-placed to drive growth, attract investment and support jobs. It is also discriminatory in targeting just one part of a single sector, while the relief it's due to fund will go to a wide range of businesses.

Northern Ireland Retail Consortium Director, Jane Bevis, said: "Christmas is the most important trading period for most of the retail sector. Every year the increased business supports hundreds of permanent jobs and creates temporary opportunities for hundreds more.

"Increased employment is an essential part of rebalancing the Northern Ireland economy, but ministers seem determined to press ahead with an extra tax on some of the businesses best placed to provide it.

"The retailers due to be targeted by the Executive's levy support 30,000 jobs in the region and are providing 2,000 more opportunities this Christmas. The Executive should not be penalising businesses which help to provide festive cheer – and festive jobs."

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