Lidl has revealed that it plans to create more than 700 new jobs within its Irish operations this year in a variety of operational and office-based roles across its network of 176 stores, three regional distribution centres and head office in Dublin.
The new roles will bring Lidl’s total workforce in the Republic of Ireland to more than 6,000 employees for the first time, with the retailer employing 7,500 on the island of Ireland.
Lidl also announced a €14m investment in pay increases for its existing workforce in the Republic of Ireland with a further £3m being invested in the retailers’ operations in Northern Ireland, which it operates from its head office in Dublin. From March, all its staff will receive an average pay increase of 7.5%.
The discounter stated that the new roles were being created to support its growing footprint of stores and in line with Lidl’s ongoing €550m three-year expansion plan first announced in 2021. This year will see the opening of a range of new Lidl stores, including Kilkenny, Ballincollig, Bettystown, Limerick, and the completion of a €75m extension of the retailer’s Mullingar Distribution Centre.
Maeve McCleane, Chief People Officer at Lidl Ireland & Lidl Northern Ireland, commented: “We are delighted to continue to invest in our expansion in the Irish market and grow our team with the addition of 700 new roles this year across the country. It is a very proud moment for us to reach the milestone of more than 6,000 employees in the Republic of Ireland, and demonstrates the commitment we have in our growing footprint in our Irish operations.”
NAM Implications:
- Think two discounters with a combined market share greater than market leader Dunnes.
- Each growing faster than the mults…
- …in a market where retail prices are higher than EU equivalents.
- And ask yourself if Lidl are investing enough?
