David Cameron visits Sainsbury's

Prime Minister David Cameron has visited Sainsbury’s under-construction digital lab on his second day of election campaigning.

The retailer wants to create 480 specialist jobs in London and Coventry in a bid to strengthen its digital and technology capabilities.

The London-based digital lab is scheduled to open in the summer and will give developers, digital designers, product owners, engineers and testers a modern space to work and test new ways of shopping. Recruitment is currently underway for 180 roles.

Sainsbury’s said it was also building better platforms for online shopping and supply chains and a new “technology hub” in Coventry would create another 300 specialist roles.

“We’re now firmly on the map as a career destination for digital and technology specialists,” said Sainsbury’s Director of Digital and Technology Jon Rudoe.

“Retail is a vibrant sector for innovation and this team is key to keeping our fast-paced business running. We’re structuring and equipping entrepreneurial teams to improve the digital experience and develop products that will help make our customers’ lives easier.”

Sainsbury’s chief executive Mike Coupe added: “The shape of our business is changing and digital and technology is a core part of our future growth. Ultimately these changes are good news for customers.”