Aldi to Hire Hundreds in UK Expansion, Offering Roles Without Experience
The supermarket chain is seeking new staff as part of a £370 million expansion drive, with competitor Lidl also announcing initiatives to recruit the long-term unemployed.
Aldi is looking to recruit hundreds of new staff members across the UK, offering entry-level positions that do not require prior experience or formal qualifications. These roles are part of the supermarket's £370 million expansion plan, which includes opening 40 new stores and upgrading 25 existing ones this year.
The company is seeking candidates who are friendly, positive, and comfortable with numbers. Successful applicants will receive a starting pay of £13.50 per hour, with a rate of £14.88 per hour for those working within the M25 London orbital motorway. Pay can increase to £14.47 and £15.20 per hour respectively based on length of service, which is above the current minimum wage of £12.71 per hour.
Aldi highlights its compensation package, noting it is one of the highest-paying supermarkets in the UK. The company also remains the only major supermarket to offer paid breaks to all employees, a benefit valued at approximately £1,500 per year. Additionally, staff receive 28 days of annual leave, lifestyle discounts, access to wellbeing programs, gym memberships, discounted cinema tickets, and money off holidays. Employees with at least one year of service are also eligible for 26 weeks of full pay for maternity and main adopter leave.
Kelly Stokes, recruitment director at Aldi UK, stated that the company offers market-leading pay, excellent training, and career development opportunities. "From day one, our colleagues are supported with the training and experience they need to succeed, with clear opportunities to progress as their careers develop," Stokes said.
Interested candidates can apply online at aldirecruitment.co.uk by submitting a CV. The application process may include a short video call followed by an interview with an area manager.
In related news, Aldi's competitor Lidl has announced its own recruitment initiative aimed at the long-term unemployed. This program offers guaranteed interviews for individuals who have been out of work for six months or more, allowing them to bypass traditional CV submissions. Lidl is collaborating with the Department for Work and Pensions to identify and contact potential candidates for this scheme. Entry-level hourly rates at Lidl start at £13.45 nationally, increasing to £14.45 with length of service.