A BUDGET discount store in Kidderminster is bucking the trend and employing an extra 10 staff for what it believes will be a busy Christmas period.

Poundland in Worcester Street is expanding its workforce with the help of a local company dedicated to getting people back to work.

Pertemps People Development Group (PPDG) clients have been continuing their retail work experience training at the discount store and many have been offered permanent positions.

Mark Wheeler, assistant manager, said: “The recession in some ways helped Poundland as more people are coming in to our stores who would not have necessarily done so before.”

He explained that the store was “delighted” with the workers provided by Church Street based PPDG.

He added: “Sixty per cent of the staff on this site came through PPDG. It gives us the chance to analyse the ability of staff before they come on board and in all honesty we probably take on some staff who wouldn’t necessarily get through the interview process.

“The employees that we have recruited through PPDG have been very good. There are sometimes staff that are not suited to retail and I guess part of the process is to filter those out before we come to offering them positions on staff.”

During October 10 temporary Christmas staff will be starting work at Poundland with a number expected to be PPDG clients.

Janet White, employment coach, has been working alongside Poundland for three years to provide the kind of staff most suited to the retail giant.

She said: “PPDG's Kidderminster's partnership with Poundland has been a triumph since 2006 because each year there have been job outcomes for PPDG clients who complete retail work experience training there.

“It’s a joy to walk through the store and be told the latest personal success story.”