Lidl is ringfencing 10% of job interviews for people who have been out of work for at least six months, in an initiative aimed at the UK’s unemployment crisis.
The discounter is working with the Department for Work & Pensions to identify long-term unemployed candidates for interviews at every new store it opens over the next 12 months. It has also ringfenced at least 480 interview slots across its 13 warehouses.
Latest ONS data showed 1.78 million people aged 16 or over were unemployed in the UK in April, a rate of 4.9%.
The rate is higher among young people, one in eight of whom are not in education, employment or training, according to a recent government-commissioned report by former cabinet minister Alan Milburn.
“Unemployment is affecting communities right across the country, adding to the pressures many households are already under,” said Lidl GB chief people officer Stephanie Rogers. “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. A career in retail develops a massive range of transferable skills and, here at Lidl, we pair that with industry-leading training and competitive pay to ensure our people can truly thrive.”
Employment minister Diana Johnson said: “Our mission is to Get Britain Working and that means reaching people across the UK - including those who have been overlooked for too long - to build meaningful careers.
“That’s why Lidl’s new programme is so vital - it’s moving people from welfare to work, providing those who have been out of work with a pathway back into employment. By joining forces, we are helping people to kickstart rewarding careers in the retail sector as we continue to drive our economy forward.”
Lidl’s scheme will dispense with the usual requirement to submit a CV for candidates identified for the ringfenced interview slots.
The supermarket is working with regional employability schemes including providers of the DWP’s Restart programme, designed to the help long-term unemployed find work. Eligible candidates will be contacted directly by the DWP or partnering organisations.
Those who think they may be eligible can contact Lidl recruitment team via the careers website by visiting careers.lidl.co.uk.
New starters will benefit from among of the highest entry-level hourly pay rates in the supermarket sector, at £13.45 nationally and £14.80 inside the M25.
Lidl has also formed a new partnership with homelessness charity Standing Tall, with a £50,000 donation to support people into work.
No comments yet