Over 2,000 people have applied for 14 new jobs in Derry Published duration 18 July 2012

image caption DFS said 2,308 people applied for 14 jobs at its new store in Derry

More than two thousand people have applied for 14 jobs at a new furniture shop in Londonderry.

The 16,000 square foot DFS store is opening this month at the Crescent Link Retail Park in the city.

It is the sofa retail chain's second outlet in Northern Ireland.

Sinn Fein MLA, Maeve McLaughlin said that the number of people who had applied for the jobs was "staggering" and highlights the lack of employment in the city.

"The main item on most people's agenda I speak too, particularly amongst young people in Derry is the lack of jobs.

"In the last number of weeks, thousands of young people who have graduated from our universities will now be looking for jobs.

"We need to see a refocusing of efforts on job creation to include not only foreign direct investment but also in helping small and medium size indigenous businesses to develop in terms of export and innovation."