Aldi hiking its pay rate and hiring

DISCOUNT grocery chain Aldi Ireland have announced that they plan to increase its minimum rate of pay for 2020 to €12.30 per hour.

The chain is also to recruit hundreds of new staff across its extensive national branch network.

The pay increase will see Aldi store assistants earn up to €14.40 per hour with the new payment rates due to come into effect from February 1.

As a result of the decision, the German-based supermarket chain – which currently has seven outlets in Kerry – will be the first Irish retailer to implement the Living Wage Technical Group’s recommended rate for its employees.

The supermarket has also confirmed the creation of 550 jobs for 2020 including 13 new positions in its Kerry outlets.

“At Aldi we pride ourselves in being one of the best employers in the country, employing almost 4,000 staff from across Ireland and paying them accordingly for the quality work they do,” said Giles

Hurley, CEO for Aldi UK and Ireland at the announcement last week.

“That is why we are delighted to announce that Aldi will again meet the Living Wage Technical Group’s recommended minimum wage of €12.30 per hour, in addition to our plans to hire 550 new staff throughout the year,” said Mr Hurley.

Adam Ward, Aldi’s Regional Managing Director, outlined its specific recruitment plans in Kerry over the course of the coming year.

“We are seeking to recruit 13 new employees this year for our stores in Kerry. We plan on hiring 550 new employees nationwide this year to join the Aldi Ireland team and contribute to our growth and success,” Mr Ward said.

Opportunities available include Store Assistant and Assistant Store Manager roles across Aldi’s Kerry outlets.

In all, the retailer plans to recruit 550 new staff across its 140 stores nationwide in2020.