Aldi has revealed a big step up in its recruitment plans for 2024 through the creation of 5,500 new jobs.

The German-owned discounter had initially announced the creation of 1,500 jobs but said on Wednesday that the figure was being expanded to cover roles across the business.

Aldi, which is now Britain’s fourth-largest supermarket chain after overtaking Morrisons in market share terms last year, said it is seeking store assistants, managers and cleaners at new stores opening this year.

The company is also recruiting across its 11 regional distribution centres and within its head office.

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Aldi currently has more than 1,000 stores and plans to open 500 more.

A successful recruitment drive would take the number of employees past the 50,000 mark.

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Aldi, like its discount rival Lidl, has expanded rapidly through new store openings since the financial crisis.

The pair have capitalised on a customer focus on value, particularly in the years since the COVID pandemic as the squeeze in incomes became more acute.

The cost of living crisis has been exacerbated by rising interest rates to tackle inflation.

That central bank action against price growth in the economy has been a double-edged sword as it has also raised borrowing costs, culminating in higher mortgage and rental bills.

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Grocery prices shot up in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and while some costs have come down, food inflation remains.

Morrisons this week became the latest legacy chain to reveal a price match initiative based on hundreds of Aldi and Lidl goods.

Price wars have become common as chains sacrifice profits to protect their market shares.

Aldi suggested its pay offer was superior versus the industry norm.

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While pointing out that its store and warehouse assistants would earn above the National Living Wage, it said it was the only major chain to offer paid breaks.

Chief executive of Aldi UK, Giles Hurley, said: “Our colleagues work incredibly hard and are without a doubt a huge part of our success at Aldi.”

He added: “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.”

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