In the current economic climate, talk of store closures and company take-overs inevitably cause workers to worry about losing their jobs.

But one supermarket in Brentford is bucking that trend as its 61 workers will keep their jobs at the high street store and scores more jobs will be created, despite a change of owner.

Somerfield is due to close its doors to customers for the last time on April 22, when it will be refurbished before opening again in the summer as a Morrisons.

Store manager Hassi Singardia said his staff were happy to be staying at the branch, and they will be joined by new recruits as Morrisons increases the size of the store.

He said: “All the staff here will transfer across, and when we open there will be a lot more staff employed because Morrisons will put in more departments than we currently have, so automatically we will need an increase in head count.”

A spokesman for Somerfield said: “We can confirm the Brentford Somerfield store will close on April 22. The store has been sold to Morrisons.

“All 61 store colleagues will transfer over to the new owners.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank our colleagues and customers at the Brentford store for their loyalty over the years.”

Morrisons said it had agreed to keep Somerfield’s staff as part of the terms of sale and its bigger store will create 80 new jobs in the area.

A spokesman for Morrisons said: “Obviously we will ensure we will look after the members of staff already there and they have all been offered to stay at the store. The 80 people we are recruiting will join the existing Somerfield staff.

“We are delighted to be able to offer up to 80 jobs in Brentford.

“We have had a lot of interest in these job opportunities and for many people this will be the first step in their career with Morrisons.

“We are looking forward to building up an enthusiastic team that can provide great fresh food, value and service to the people of Brentford.”