70 jobs up for grabs at Aldi stores

Aldi already announced it was creating 35 new jobs ahead of the opening of its latest store in Birmingham Road in Wolverhampton. Today, the firm said it was to employ 40 more people for eight of its existing stores across the Black Country.

The company, which has emerged nationally as a competitor to major supermarkets like Sainsbury's and Tesco, is holding a recruitment open day in Brierley Hill on Friday.

Aldi area manager Leon Donald said: "Aldi is looking for further members of staff in the West Midlands due to an increase in sales for all stores across the region, and Aldi hopes to recruit primarily from the local community. A spokesman added: "The positions will be for a number of stores across the West Midlands, including Brierley Hill, Dudley, Stourbridge, Netherton, Halesowen, Wollaston, Kidderminster and Bridgnorth, with 40 jobs available in total."

The increase in sales at the firm's West Midland stores has been mirrored nationally. Recent sales figures show the firm increased its sales by 37.9 per cent in the four weeks to February 2 compared to last year, while Lidl increased its by 16.4 per cent. The results saw the two supermarkets expanding their market shares against larger firms. The recruitment event will be at the Copthorne Hotel in Merry Hill from 1pm to 5pm.

Positions being offered include stock and store assistants, with a starting wage of £7 an hour.

Dudley Councillor Zafar Islam said: "Any job at this time in welcome, 40 is excellent. I'm sure the people getting them will be delighted.

"I'm obviously even more happy the company is holding the recruitment day in Brierley Hill. It is an indication that things are improving."

He added: "It appears Aldi are shaking up the big boys."

Aldi is opening its supermarket in Birmingham Road, Wolverhampton, on April 10. It will replace the former Matalan Discount store.

Last week, Lidl lodged new plans for a store on the Duckworth Trading Estate, off Stallings Lane in Kingswinford.