Asda employees celebrated 15,000 years’ service at the supermarket’s Big Anniversary celebration.

The 700 attendees of the celebration will receive an extra week’s holiday and £300 each.

The annual event, this year held at Harewood House in Leeds on 20 July, recognises employees with 25, 30 and 40 years’ service with the organisation.

Over 79,000 of Asda’s 175,000 employees have been with the retailer for more than five years; 3,207 of which have clocked up 25 years.

In addition to the anniversary celebration, Asda employees recently shared in a £49 million sharesave scheme dividend, and £26.9 million bonus pot earlier in the year.

Employees also receive a discount card, pension and access to 21 flexible working schemes.

Sarah Dickins, people policy director at Asda, said: “This is a really special day for us. It's our way of celebrating and saying a huge thank you to our colleagues [employees] for the important role they play in looking after our customers over the years.

“With over 15,000 years of service with the business between them it really was a day to remember.

“It’s their passion and enthusiasm that makes Asda such a great place to work and shop and we really appreciate everything they do. ”

Chris Grayling, employment minister, said: “It’s great to hear that so many people are celebrating long successful careers at Asda.

“We want people to have the choice to work as long as they wish, which is why we have removed the default retirement age.

"This means that people not only have the opportunity to work longer and save towards a financially secure retirement but also that the country benefits from their skills and experience.”

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