LIDL RECRUITING OVER 1,500 WAREHOUSE COLLEAGUES AS THE DISCOUNTER UNVEILS NEW LEEDS DISTRIBUTION CENTRE PLANS

• Lidl GB has submitted a planning application for a new regional distribution centre (RDC) on a 38-acre site in Gildersome, Leeds
• The multi-million pound planned investment forms part of the discounter's focus on strengthening infrastructure to support its stores across the country 
• The new warehouse will create 400 new jobs, as Lidl GB confirms it is currently recruiting over 1,500 distribution centre colleagues as it continues to bolster its ambitious warehouse plans
• The announcement comes as its largest ever warehouse is set to open this August in Luton while the discounter continues to hunt for new warehouse locations in the South

9th May 2023: Lidl GB has announced that it is recruiting over 1,500 warehouse colleagues across its existing regional distribution centre (RDC) network, while confirming plans to build a new RDC on a 35-acre site in Gildersome, Leeds.

The plans submitted to Leeds City Council for a 54,000m2 build represent a significant investment and showcases Lidl GB’s commitment to fostering local economic growth, alongside its continued expansion within Great Britain. The discounter estimates this new RDC would create over 400 job opportunities if approved and once fully operational.

Over the last five years Lidl GB’s focus on regional operational expansion has been unprecedented, opening four RDCs including Motherwell, Peterborough, Doncaster and a second site in Belvedere. These three sites have collectively created over 1,400 jobs for people up and down the country.

Building on this momentum, and further strengthening its infrastructure across the country, the discounter will open its Luton RDC – the largest in any Lidl market globally - creating more than 1,500 jobs and serving over 150 stores in London and the surrounding counties once fully operational.

Richard Taylor, Chief Development Officer at Lidl GB, said: “Our ambitious warehouse plans demonstrate our commitment to investing not only in our distribution network but the country as a whole. An RDC in Leeds would be a great addition to the North, while we continue to keep a lookout for new sites in the South.

“In the last five years we have opened over 240,000m2 of warehouse space and invested over £700m, but we need more space and people to help us meet our growth targets. We’ve built an impressive store portfolio across the country and our vision to have over 1,100 stores in Great Britain remains unchanged.”

New colleagues will receive competitive pay and benefits, including a 10% staff discount. The discounter, which currently has more than 960 stores and employs around 31,000 people, plans to continue its expansion throughout 2023.

Ryan McDonnell, Chief Executive Officer, Lidl GB said: “Demand for Lidl has never been higher as more and more people realise they can make significant savings on every shop without compromising on quality. Our success is dependent on the amazing work that colleagues do and we’re looking forward to welcoming thousands more throughout 2023.”

New recruits will earn a minimum of £11 an hour outside of London and £11.95 inside the M25. All new jobs will be permanent and include full and part-time positions, which will see pay increase up to £12.00 and £13.00 with length of service, depending on location.

To make it as easy as possible for warehouse candidates to secure roles, Lidl GB will be holding recruitment open days across its RDCs, with the option for successful candidates to sign contracts on the day.

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Notes to Editors

About Lidl GB

Since establishing itself in Great Britain in 1994, Lidl GB has experienced continuous growth and today has over 31,000 employees, over 960 stores and 13 distribution centres in England, Scotland and Wales.

As part of the Schwarz retail group, Lidl is one of Europe’s leading organisations in the food retail industry. The supermarket, which has more than 360,000 employees globally, currently operates approximately 12,000 stores and more than 200 warehouses and distribution centres in 31 countries.

The supermarket takes pride in providing its customers with the highest quality products at the lowest possible prices throughout Great Britain, from Kirkwall to the Isle of Wight. Social responsibility and sustainability are at the core of the company's daily operations, with the company placing a strong emphasis on its responsibility for people, society, and the environment. Lidl GB is passionate about working with British producers and sources two thirds of its products from British suppliers.

The Schwarz Group, which operates worldwide as a retail group, generated a turnover of €133.6 billion in the financial year 2021.

For more information about Lidl GB visit https://corporate.lidl.co.uk/