Supermarket chain Aldi has announced that it will once more keep all of its stores closed on Boxing Day in recognition of employees’ hard work during the year.
The retailer has regularly made the decision to shut its doors on 26 December as a thank you to all members of staff since the first Aldi supermarket opened in the UK more than 30 years ago.
In addition, the business is looking to hire more than 1,500 people on a temporary basis to work on the checkouts, replenishing stock, and picking and packing orders made through its click and collect service during the Christmas period. Store assistants can earn a minimum hourly rate of up to £10.57 across the UK, while those working inside the M25 are eligible for £11.32 an hour.
The supermarket also hopes to fill 2,000 permanent jobs by the end of this year while recruiting across its 11 regional distribution centres for roles including warehouse selectors, logistics assistants and lorry drivers. It plans to fill a similar number of permanent jobs next year as well as opening one new store a week on average.
Kelly Stokes, recruitment director at Aldi UK, explained that the business wants to recognise and thank its “amazing” workers who have been going “above and beyond” to serve local communities over the past year.
“This is why we will once again be keeping our stores closed on Boxing Day, and it’s been really encouraging to see other retailers committing to do the same this year. We always need extra support over the busy Christmas period but this year especially, temporary store colleagues will play a vital role in keeping our shelves stocked as the nation prepares to reunite with their loved ones after missing out on festive celebrations in 2020,” she said.
