MP Jackie tours superstore (From Echo)

MP Jackie tours superstore

THURROCK MP Jackie Doyle-Price was taken on a tour of B&Q at Lakeside retail park recently.

The Tory MP was told about the company’s diversity policy, which means a quarter of B&Q’s workforce is over 50, with a similar percentage under the age of 25.

She also got to meet the store’s oldest employee, Roy Ward, who is 84, and heard about how B&Q has invested more than £1 million into nationally recognised apprenticeships and City and Guild’s qualifications for its staff.

Jackie said: “I was very impressed by the story that B & Q had to tell. People are the most valuable resource in any business and it is good to hear about the importance B&Q place on training.

“ I am delighted to see B&Q leading the way with the employment of older people and showing the value of employing those who wish to continue working beyond retirement age. My thanks to Tim Austin and the team for their warm welcome.”

West Thurrock store manager, Tim Austin, added: “It was great to meet our new MP and talk to her about what B&Q has to offer as a local employer and business in the area. We’re looking forward to seeing Ms Doyle-Price MP in our store again and wish her every success with her new post.”