Hundreds of jobs in store as Aldi plans 15 new supermarkets

Supermarket Aldi plans to open 15 new stores across the UK by the end of the year and create hundreds of jobs.

The new locations include Edinburgh, Orpington and Poole, adding to the chain's 930 existing stores.

The new stores are part of Aldi's commitment to invest more than £1.3 billion by 2023. The company plans to open 100 new stores over the next two years.

On average, around 30 jobs are created per new branch.

Ciaran Aldridge, National Property Director at Aldi UK, said: “There are still too many people for whom shopping at Aldi is not a convenient option.

“We are determined to change that and the opening of almost four new stores a week before Christmas is clear evidence that we are making progress in this regard.”

Aldi also announced that it is encouraging local charities, community groups and food banks to register to accept surplus food donations this Christmas.

As part of its pledge to donate 10 million meals to hungry families across the UK this year, the supermarket has committed to donating more meals than ever to good causes over the Christmas period.

With all Aldi stores closed on Boxing Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day, the retailer wants to ensure that any products approaching their expiration date reach families who might otherwise miss out on them this Christmas.

Mary Dunn, Managing Director of Corporate Responsibility at Aldi UK, said: “Our food donation programme runs all year round, but we know that Christmas can be a particularly difficult time for the families and communities we support.

“That’s why we’re so committed to increasing the number of meals we donate during the holiday season. We look forward to working with local charities this Christmas to help us reach our annual goal of 10 million meals.”