Overview

• Aldi launched a nationwide campaign to hire 4,500 permanent store colleagues to handle festive demand and support ongoing expansion into 2026.
• Starting pay is £13.02 an hour nationally and £14.35 inside the M25, with multiple outlets reporting Aldi as the first UK supermarket to pay £14‑plus at more than 65 London‑area stores.
• Regional targets include 210 roles in Essex, 370 in Greater Manchester and around 200 in Wales, covering Store Assistants, managerial positions and cleaners.
• Aldi says it is the only major UK grocer to offer paid breaks, valuing the benefit at more than £1,425 a year for the average store colleague.
• Stores will close on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day to give staff time off, the company’s recruitment chief said.