Aldi has followed Lidl in announcing a major recruitment drive, in the latest sign of intensifying competition between retailers for labour.
Aldi said today it would create about 3,000 jobs as it geared up for its “biggest ever Christmas”. The discounter attracted more than 1.5 million new customers in the 12 weeks to 4 September and took Morrisons’ place as the UK’s fourth-biggest supermarket, with 9.3% market share, based on Kantar data.
Aldi said it needed more than 2,000 temporary and permanent store workers and over 850 warehouse recruits for it 11 regional distribution centres across the UK. The roles include warehouse selectors, logistics assistants and lorry drivers.
“This year we’re recruiting more people than ever over the Christmas period to support the growing number of customers that are switching to Aldi,” said Aldi UK recruitment director Kelly Stokes.
“That includes a mix of temporary and permanent positions, as well as looking to fill both in-store roles and positions at our regional distribution centres.
“Our amazing colleagues play a vital role in keeping our shelves stocked year-round which is why, once again, we’ll also be keeping our stores closed on Boxing Day as a thank you for all of their hard work.”
Lidl said on Tuesday it was looking to fill 1,000 new roles, in both stores and DCs.
The two discounters are among a number of supermarkets to have announced two raises to entry-level hourly pay this year. From 1 October, Lidl’s latest rise took its entry-level houly rate for store and warehouse workers to £11.95 within the M25 and £10.90 elsewhere in the UK.
It made Lidl the highest-paying supermarket in stores outside London based on entry-level rates, topping Aldi’s £10.50. In the capital it is joint top payer, along with Aldi. However, along with Co-op, Aldi is one of only two major grocers to offer paid breaks, which the discounter says are worth more than £830 a year to the average store worker.
Aldi CEO Giles Hurley also recently said the supermarket would be reviewing pay again this year.
Aldi roles can be applied for at aldirecruitment.co.uk.
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