Lidl has announced plans to create 700 new jobs this year, increasing its total workforce in the State to over 6,000.
The new jobs will be in a variety of operational and office-based roles across its network of 176 stores, three regional distribution centres and head office in Dublin.
Along with the jobs announcement, the supermarket also confirmed it will invest €14 million to facilitate a pay rise for all existing employees.
From March 1st, all employees will receive a wage increase, averaging an addition 7.5 per cent or approximately €2,000-2,500 per annum.
This will be in addition to Lidl's commitment to adopt the €13.85 Living Wage rate recommended by the Living Wage Technical Group which the supermarket announced last October.
The new jobs form part of Lidl's plans for a range of new stores and the completion of a €75 million extension of its distribution centre in Mullingar.
Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Simon Coveney said the announcement was a "real vote of confidence in the company's long-term commitment to the Irish retail sector and the Irish economy as a whole".
"Given the current cost of living pressures that everyone is feeling, I’m delighted to see that Lidl is investing in giving their workforce a pay rise to support them," Mr Coveney added.
