A KIDDERMINSTER supermarket set to close tomorrow will reopen under a new name and new ownership - but outgoing staff will not be guaranteed a job.

Somerfield, in New Road, will open as a Netto after an extensive refit.

Employees at Somerfield will not, however, be automatically given jobs in the new store and will, instead, have to apply for the 25 new positions.

Budget chain, Netto, is to undertake a major redevelopment of the New Road site which, under employment law, means it does not have to rehire Somerfield staff.

The refurbishment, which, ironically comes after Somerfield itself spent £100,000 this year improving its store, is expected to take two months.

A Somerfield spokesman said the company was working to help staff find another job. Employees would be paid until Friday, April 22.

He added: "We are certainly trying to find alternative positions for staff. We have neighbouring stores in close proximity but we can't guarantee how many positions we will find.

"Obviously, because of the location, that could involve some travel and it might not be ideal."

Claus Wdeled, Netto UK managing director, said Netto offered a "no frills and lower bills" experience to shoppers.

He added: "Value retailing has really come of age in the UK, with more and more people seeking out the best quality at the lowest prices and that is what our new store will bring to Kidderminster."

Netto is part of the Danish Dansk Supermarket Group and has built up an empire of 136 stores throughout the UK during the last 15 years.

It is good news for business in Kidderminster, as Somerfield was the second supermarket to close this year, following on from Waitrose, which leaves the Swan Centre in July.

More jobs will also be created at a new Tesco Express store, which opens in Bewdley Hill, Kidderminster on May 23.

Between 15 and 20 jobs will be created at the food store and petrol station that will open from 6am to midnight seven days a week.