Lidl is reserving 10% of interview slots at its new UK stores for people who have been out of work for at least six months, the retailer announced on Tuesday. The initiative aims to level the playing field and remove barriers to employment for long-term unemployed individuals.
How the Scheme Works
Over the next 12 months, Lidl will ringfence a portion of interview slots for entry-level roles at every new store, alongside at least 480 slots across its 13 warehouses. Candidates will be fast-tracked to the interview stage without needing to submit a CV. The company is collaborating with local employability partners, including the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and its Restart scheme, to identify candidates and help them prepare for interviews.
People who believe they are eligible but have not been contacted by the DWP or its partner organisations can reach out to Lidl's recruitment team through its careers page, the company said.
Addressing Unemployment
Stephanie Rogers, chief people officer for Lidl Great Britain, 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.”
The initiative comes amid a shrinking UK jobs market. Vacancies fell to a five-year low in the three months to May, particularly affecting retail and hospitality sectors. Recent figures also show that more than a million 16-24-year-olds were neither in work nor learning in the first quarter of 2026, the highest in nearly 13 years, raising concerns about youth unemployment.
New Store Openings
Lidl announced in April that it expects to open 50 new stores over the next 12 months, creating close to 2,000 new jobs. New stores opening this summer include those in Abbots Langley near Watford, Hertfordshire; Warrington in Cheshire; and Thornbury in Gloucestershire.
