Comet to create 80 new jobs in Harlow

SCORES of new jobs are to be created at the Harlow distribution centre of leading electrical retailer Comet.

The company will make up to 80 positions available at its sprawling Edinburgh Way site as it seeks to centralise its service operations.

Comet's Harlow distribution centre

Vacancies are likely to include roles in administration, inventory control, engineering and warehouse work. The firm hopes to fill the new positions by July.

The move is part of a UK-wide efficiency strategy that has seen the firm make redundancies at sites elsewhere in the country. Managing director Hugh Harvey said it would "solidify" the company’s 16-year commitment to Harlow while helping to cut costs in a difficult economic climate.

"Centralising our service functions will not only enable us to work more efficiently and significantly cut costs, it will also allow us to provide an improved and faster repair service for customers," he said.

"We are delighted that due to the investment in this site we will be able to offer jobs to talented individuals in the local community."

Harlow Council leader Andrew Johnson said: "This is a welcome boost for the town and for local residents looking for jobs in these challenging economic times.

"It shows that Harlow remains an attractive location for business, with its fantastic location and excellent value for money. With Comet’s expansion it demonstrates that there is real confidence in Harlow as a place worth investing in."

MP Rob Halfon said the firm’s commitment to Harlow proved the town was a "place to do business", adding: "At a time when we’ve had so much bad news I think this is a very encouraging development.

"I think it’s a clear sign that the town is a place to do business and I will certainly be doing lots of shopping in Comet in the future!"

Mr Halfon added that he hoped to visit the Edinburgh Way site and meet the new staff following the recruitment process.