Lidl GB is implementing a new initiative to provide guaranteed job interviews for individuals who have been unemployed for six months or longer. This program is designed to assist those facing barriers to employment by offering them a direct path to an interview without the need for a CV, aiming to "level the playing field" in the job market. The supermarket is partnering with employability organizations, including prime providers of the RESTART scheme and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), to identify and support eligible candidates.
Eligible individuals will be contacted directly by the DWP and partner organizations. Those who believe they qualify but have not received contact are encouraged to reach out to Lidl GB’s recruitment team through its careers website. Over the next 12 months, 10 percent of interview slots for entry-level positions at new store openings will be reserved for these candidates, with at least 480 interview slots allocated across Lidl's 13 warehouses.
Entry-level positions at Lidl GB currently offer an hourly rate of £13.45, increasing to £14.45 with accrued service. Stephanie Rogers, chief people officer at Lidl GB, stated that the program aims to help individuals overcome the initial hurdle of securing employment. She emphasized that retail careers offer transferable skills and that Lidl provides industry-leading training and competitive pay.
The Minister for Employment, Dame Diana Johnson, endorsed the initiative, calling it vital for moving individuals from welfare to work and building meaningful careers. She highlighted that the partnership helps people re-enter the workforce and pursue rewarding careers in the retail sector.
This initiative comes as Lidl GB announced plans in April to open over 50 new stores within the next year, supported by a £600 million investment in infrastructure, which is expected to create nearly 2,000 new jobs. This expansion follows a trend in the grocery sector, with rival Aldi announcing in March plans to create over 1,100 store roles through a £370 million investment and the opening of 40 new stores.
The move by Lidl GB occurs against a backdrop of a declining job vacancy rate in Britain. Official data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed that job vacancies fell to 707,000 in the March to May period, the lowest level since February to April 2021. While the labor market is described as 'broadly stable,' signs of weakening have been observed, particularly in professional services, retail, and hospitality. Recent ONS data also indicates that over a million young people aged 16 to 24 are not in education, employment, or training, with factors such as increased employer national insurance contributions and a higher minimum wage reportedly making hiring more challenging for businesses.