Lidl is throwing a lifeline to thousands of jobseekers by guaranteeing interview opportunities for people who have been unemployed for at least six months as it embarks on a major UK expansion.
The supermarket giant will reserve one in 10 interview slots at every new store it opens over the next year for long-term unemployed candidates, alongside at least 480 interview places across its 13 distribution centres.
In a move designed to remove barriers to work, applicants selected through the scheme will be fast-tracked to interview without having to submit a CV.
Lidl said it is working with the Department for Work and Pensions and the Government’s Restart scheme to identify suitable candidates and help them prepare for interviews.
The initiative comes as Britain’s jobs market continues to weaken, with vacancies falling to a five-year low and youth unemployment climbing to its highest level in almost 13 years.
Stephanie Rogers, Lidl GB’s chief people officer, said: “Unemployment is affecting communities right across the country, adding to the pressures many households are already under.
“For people who are facing barriers into employment, getting that first opportunity can be the hardest step.
“That’s why we’re fast tracking interviews across the nation to help people get a foot in the door.”
People who believe they are eligible but have not been referred by the DWP or partner organisations can also contact Lidl directly through its careers website.
The retailer announced earlier this year that it plans to open 50 new stores across Britain over the next 12 months, creating almost 2,000 jobs.
New branches are due to open this summer in Abbots Langley near Watford, Warrington and Thornbury, with further locations expected to follow as Lidl continues its rapid expansion across the UK.
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