What it does: The chain sells packaged groceries at low prices using various innovative marketing techniques. It has built its reputation on offering quality products at lower prices than traditional supermarkets.
Mission: Lidl UK's mission is to offer shoppers high-quality products at unbeatable prices with excellent service and value for money.
Size and presence: Lidl UK operates more than 700 stores across England, Wales and Scotland. The first Lidl store opened in the UK in 1994, and the company now employs over 20,000 people across its stores.
Best known for Lidl UK is best known for its low prices, but it has several other products as well. For example, it has more than 8,000 products under its brand name, Lidl. The company also offers organic food and renewable energy products.
The good bits: In 2003, the company introduced an employee share ownership program that allows employees to buy up to 10% of the company's shares at discounted prices. The program helps fund employee pensions and other benefits while improving morale and motivation among workers who feel invested in their employer's success.
The not-so-good bits: Some employees said that they only care about making money; they have no regard for their employees or customers. They have implemented systems that are designed to make life difficult for both of these groups.
Dieter Schwarz founded Lidl in 1973 as a single store in Germany. In 1988, Schwarz bought out all other shareholders and made Lidl a private company run by him and his family. Between 1991 and 1993, Schwarz acquired several discount supermarkets in Eastern Europe, which he converted into Lidl stores. By 1995, over 300 Lidl stores were operating in Germany and Belgium. By 2010, the number had risen to over 600, with branches across much of mainland Europe.
Lidl UK is known for having a relaxed office environment and friendly vibe. The company has a large cafeteria where employees can enjoy free food and drinks throughout the day. Lidl UK also offers flexible working hours and encourages employees to work remotely when needed.
You'll need to apply for a job at Lidl through the company's website. You will be asked to select your preferred location and then choose from a list of available positions within that location. Then you'll need to complete an online application form. You'll also need to provide information about your qualifications and fluent speaking languages. If you meet the minimum requirements for the position, you will be invited to attend an interview at one of their stores to get to know more about you personally and find out whether they think you would make a good team member here at Lidl UK.
As part of their commitment to developing their people, they have a variety of career opportunities available across their business areas, including:
According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a Lidl employee in the UK is £19,000.
In 2018, Lidl UK donated £83 million to its charity partners and introduced new initiatives such as its “1% for Charity” campaign that incentivizes employees to raise money for good causes. Lidl also focuses on sustainable packaging: it aims for 100 per cent reusable or recyclable packaging by 2025 and for all its own-brand products to be made from recycled materials by 2020.
In December 2018, it was reported that HMRC had fined Lidl £2 million for failing to pay minimum wage and national insurance contributions to the staff at its distribution centre in Milton Keynes between 2012 and 2016.