The average UK household had £131 a week of discretionary income in February 2009, 9.2 per cent less than a year earlier and the lowest monthly value since the ASDA monthly income tracker began.

It means families were £13 a week worse off in February 2009 due to a sharp drop in earnings growth caused by a collapse in bonus payments across the economy, and an increase in taxes.

ASDA’s 165,000 colleagues are today celebrating after the supermarket was named ‘Innovative Employer of the Year’ at this year’s prestigious Oracle Retail Week Awards staged in London last night [19th March 2009].

ASDA won the accolade for its “comprehensive suite of strategies and people innovations”, beating off strong competition from Sainsbury’s, Gap, Carphone Warehouse and Hotel Chocolat.

As well as highlighting ASDA’s low turnover and high retention rates, the award winning entry impressed judges with its “highly successful colleague based initiatives”, including its commitment to colleague health and its reward and recognition schemes – these include suggestion programmes and regular listening groups.

The annual awards, which celebrate the best in retailing in both the multiple and independent sectors, are firmly established as the Oscars of the retail sector with intense competition in every category.

With sales of nostalgic brands such as Vimto, Bisto Gravy, Fray Bentos and Bird’s custard powder soaring, ASDA is ‘tapping' into the trend by bringing back another faithful and much loved old friend. From Wednesday, the UK's lowest priced supermarket will be bringing a smile to everyone's faces with the return of the world famous pocket-tap over 30 years after it first appeared on our screens.