DEPARTMENT store Debenhams is to create 1,200 jobs by the end of 2010, bosses revealed today.

DEPARTMENT store Debenhams is to create 1,200 jobs by the end of 2010, bosses revealed today.

The retailer, which has 153 stores in the UK and Ireland, said it planned to open eight new outlets in the next 18 months, creating full and part-time positions.

Debenhams has recently opened a new store at the new Arc shopping centre in Bury St Edmunds.

Today's announcement comes despite Debenhams revealing that like-for-like sales declined 3.6 per cent in the first half of its financial year. The retailer warned that trading would “remain challenging”.

Six new department stores are to open in Kidderminster, Newcastle upon Tyne, Carmarthen, Wakefield, Bury and Bath.

Debenhams said there will be two further smaller stores in Witney, Oxfordshire, and Monks Cross, York.