SUPERMARKET GIANT TESCO has said that its JobBridge internships are not filling jobs that are needed in its stores.

The company is seeking interns to work for six months “filling shelves according to merchandising plans and ensuring that customers do not have to queue”.

It says that the intern “will gain skills such as rotation of stock, customer service skills, management of waste and damages, merchandising to plans routines”.

TheJournal.ie contacted Tesco to ask if these internships fulfilled the criteria as set out by JobBridge.

The company replied:

We are supporters of the Government’s Job Bridge Programme and we want to help get people back to work. Candidates who apply to Tesco will have the opportunity to develop their employment prospects in our stores and in our head office.

These internships are not designed to fill any job gaps in our workforce. Instead, candidates will experience every aspect of work in a fast moving modern and innovative retail environment. This will include customer service, merchandising and vital back office support roles. Candidates will also be offered the opportunity to apply for any new permanent positions should they arise.

As Ireland’s leading retailer we provide fulfilling jobs and great careers to over 14,000 people in Ireland. We encourage our staff members to build their careers with us and have many development programmes tailored to suit all facets of work across the business.

Earlier this year Tesco announced 522 new jobs as part of our €120 million investment programme in new stores.

The retailing giant has had to defend its internships in the wake of online criticism today: