Ian checks out after 38 years at supermarket (From Worcester News)

Ian checks out after 38 years at supermarket

6:00am Thursday 9th August 2012 in News By Elizabeth Sweetman, @lizsweetmanWN #worcsnews

A WORCESTER supermarket employee has retired after more than 38 years in the job.

Ian Jones, aged 62, started working for Sainsbury’s in Lychgate Mall, Cathedral Plaza, before being transferred to the Blackpole store in 1997.

After working for several Worcester businesses which Mr Jones said had now “all disappeared”, he started working for Sainsbury’s in December 1973. He retired last Friday.

He said: “I went to the job centre and they gave me this card to take down. I had an interview, the man looked at my shoes and said I had the job.

“There’s nobody left now that I started working with, they’ve all gone over the past five years. I’m the oldest one working here now.”

Mr Jones said he had enjoyed his time with the company but would miss his colleagues the most, many of whom have now worked at the store for about 30 years.

“The people are great,” said Mr Jones, who lives in Northwick, Worcester.

“The company has been good to me. I’ve never really had anything to complain about. The work has changed over the years, not always for the best.

“The main thing I shall miss is the people. I’ve made some friends for life, I think, and it’s been a good send-off.”

Mr Jones, who finished as team leader after a variety of roles, said he would remain loyal to the store during his retirement and would still shop there.

He will spend his retirement with his wife of 40 years Michele, their three children and two grandchildren.

He said: “I think the time is right to leave. I’ve got some aches and pains and I’d rather leave now than when I’m 65.

“There’s more time to enjoy my retirement. I’ll do some gardening. I’m not really keen on it but I think I’ve got to do something now.

“I’m going to use my free time to just go around.

“I’m going to get a camera and go up the Malverns, and I’m going to watch sport.”