Discount grocer Aldi is planning a jobs bonanza for the UK and London as it accelerates its £1.4 billion expansion plans.
The German firm is already the fourth-biggest supermarket chain in the country and runs almost 50 shops across the capital, from Archway to Thamesmead.
It said today that 5,500 new roles would be on offer nationally this year, adding to the 45,000 people it already employs. A range of jobs will be created, including managers, cleaners and store assistants and workers within its 11 distribution centres.
Aldi and its compatriot and rival, Lidl, have upended the British grocery market in recent years, offering heavy and permanent discounts on prices across their range, prompting fierce competition between established rivals, including the biggest two traditional chains, Tesco and Sainsbury.
There is much at stake in a highly lucrative industry. UK supermarkets took revenue of £211.8 billion in 2023 according to business research group IBIS World. The cost-of-living crisis has boosted the appeal of the discounters.
And in a tight labour market, the battle for staff is an important part of the competition between big-name retailers.
Aldi Store assistants and warehouse staff within the M25 start on £13.55 an hour, rising to £13.85. That is modestly above the £13.15 rate identified independently as the London Living Wage by the Resolution Foundation.
Nationally, Aldi’s equivalent starting rate is £12, the same as the UK-wide Living Wage, rising to £12.95. Aldi also says it is also the only supermarket to pay staff during their breaks, which its adds puts an extra £900 a year on to the typical wage.
Giles Hurley, chief executive officer at Aldi UK, said: “We are looking forward to welcoming even more colleagues up and down the country to Team Aldi during 2024 as we progress towards our goal of making affordable, quality food accessible to everyone.
“Our colleagues work incredibly hard and are without a doubt a huge part of our success. We continue to welcome more and more customers to Aldi stores every week, not just because of our unbeatable prices and British sourcing, but also our amazing colleagues.”
The firm plans to open 500 more stores this year and next year and its distribution network will expand accordingly.
There is a website for applicants at www.aldirecruitment.co.uk.
