- Lidl GB is ringfencing interviews for those who are long-term unemployed, fast tracking candidates to the interview stage to level the playing field.
- To identify and support candidates, Lidl GB is working with partners including the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
- News comes as Lidl rolls out a partnership with homelessness charity, Standing Tall, helping people rebuild their lives by offering a stable job, safe home and the right support to succeed after hardship.
Lidl GB has today announced a new recruitment initiative, aimed at tackling rising unemployment by ringfencing interviews for people who have been out of work for at least six months for roles across its operations.
With 1.78 million people currently out of work across the nation1, the discounter is ringfencing 10% of interview slots for entry level roles at every new store over the next 12 months alongside at least 480 interview slots across its 13 warehouses.
The move aims to level the playing field, fast tracking candidates straight to the interview stage and removing the need for CVs. Lidl is working in partnership with local employability partners including the prime providers of the RESTART scheme and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) who will identify and support candidates with interview tips and best practice guidance to give them the best start.
Stephanie Rogers, Chief People Officer at Lidl GB, said: “Unemployment is affecting communities right across the country, adding to the pressures many households are already under. 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.”
The Minister for Employment, Dame Diana Johnson DBE, 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.”
The news comes as the discounter also confirms a £50,000 donation to Standing Tall to support those who are homeless into work. After a successful trial with the charity last year in the Runcorn area, Lidl has extended its support to multiple regions with the aim of getting more people off the streets and into high-quality employment in its stores over the next 12 months. Highlighting its commitment to addressing barriers to jobs, Lidl GB was recently awarded the Social Recruitment Ambassador Award and the Stronger Together Social Value Partnership Award by the People Plus Social Recruitment Advocacy Group.
All new starters will benefit from one of the highest pay rates in the sector, with entry-level hourly rates of £13.45 nationally, rising to £14.45 with length of service. Lidl also offers a competitive benefits package2 including a 10% in-store discount from the first day and free access to services to support physical and mental wellbeing.
Eligible candidates will be contacted directly by the Department of Work and Pensions and partnering organisations. Those who think they might be eligible but have not been contacted can reach out to Lidl GB’s recruitment team via the careers website.
1 ONS Labour market results April 2026: https://researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk/documents/CBP-9366/CBP-9366.pdf
2Lidl GB’s benefit package includes:
- 10% in-store discount from first day
- Free access to 24/7 Digital GP
- Discount Hub, including Wellhub with access to discounted gyms/studios
- Cycle to work scheme
- Award, bonus and meal to mark 10, 25 and 40-year anniversaries with Lidl
- Voluntary private medical and dental insurance and Healthcare cash plan
- Maternity and adoption leave: 28 weeks full pay
- Paternity leave: 4 weeks full pay
- Paid leave for those undergoing fertility treatment and those affected by pregnancy loss
- Life assurance
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