A DISCOUNT store has created 40 jobs at a North Lanarkshire retail park.

The posts will be based at Discount UK Home Store's new outlet at Airdrie Retail Park.

The store will offer over 8000 products including homewares and big-name branded groceries, cleaning items and toiletries.

Other departments will include pet care, stationery, baby and toys.

Chris Edwards Junior, trading director at the chain, said: "Airdrie is a great town and we're very pleased to be opening a new store here.

"Discount UK Home Store will help families who are seeking better deals and bigger savings to combat the rising cost of everyday living."

The Airdrie site is the chain's 40th store in the UK. It already has branches in Paisley and Kilmarnock.

The news came as fast food chain McDonald's announced the creation of 40 jobs in Glasgow as part of a nationwide commitment to bringing 2500 new positions across the UK by the end of 2013.

A total of 200 new posts will be created in Scotland as McDonald's increases its UK workforce, which currently stands at 91,000.

Last year, 70% of the new positions were given to people aged under 21. McDonald's says it has added more than 20,000 people to its workforce during the last five years as a result of its sustained business growth and long-term investment in recruitment and training.

Andy Gibson, who owns eight McDonald's restaurants around Glasgow, said: "In 2012 we added some fantastic crew from the local community to our team, many of whom were starting out in their first job.

"As a local employer, I believe it's important for all those who can, to continue giving young people in particular the chance to get workplace experience.

"I'm confident that in the year ahead there will be the same level of enthusiasm and talent from candidates in Glasgow, and I'm looking forward to employing even more young people in my restaurants."

stef.lach@heraldandtimes.co.uk