Lidl guarantees job interviews for long-term unemployed and axes need for CVs - should you apply?

Long-term jobseekers have been handed a boost as discount supermarket Lidl has reserved hundreds of interview opportunities for those who have been out of employment for six months or more.

It comes as unemployment is rising across the UK with the number of people out of work now estimated at 1.82million.

Lidl axes CV applications for long-term unemployed

Lidl's scheme will make it easier for people struggling to re-enter the workforce by scrapping the recruitment hurdle of submitting a CV.

Instead, eligible candidates will be fast-tracked directly to the interview stage.

Lidl is partnering with employability organisations, including providers of the Government's RESTART programme and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), to find candidates.

They will also be provided with interview support which includes practical guidance, interview preparation and employability coaching to boost applicants chances of getting the job.

Stephanie Rogers, chief people officer at Lidl GB, 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. A career in retail develops a massive range of transferable skills and, here at Lidl, we pair that with industry-leading training and competitive pay to ensure our people can truly thrive."

How much does Lidl pay new starters?

The supermarket offers competitive entry-level pay rates in the supermarket sector.

Lidl currently offers starting hourly pay of £13.45 nationwide with pay rising to £14.45 per hour with length of service.

Other benefits include a 10% employee discount from day one, which means you can also reduce the cost of your weekly shop.

You'll also get access to physical and mental wellbeing support services, as well as training and career development opportunities.

How to apply for Lidl jobs

Those who fit the criteria for the Lidl fast-track scheme will be contacted directly through the Department for Work and Pensions and Lidl's employability partners.

If you think you could qualify for the programme but have not been contacted, you can get in touch with Lidl's recruitment team on its careers website.

You can also search for Lidl store jobs on the site including cleaners and customer assistants. The site also lists warehouse jobs including operatives and desk clerks.

You can search by region, as well as by job role.

Which other jobs can I apply for without a CV?

If you are having difficulty with putting together a CV, you can also try other jobs applications that often don't ask for a CV as part of the application.

You may instead be asked to fill out application forms, which you can ask a trusted person to help with if you are struggling. Local job centres should also be able to provide support.

Here are some of the most common jobs that don't need a Cv:

• Warehouse operatives

• Delivery drivers

• Care assistants

• Hospitality staff (waiters, bar staff, kitchen assistants)

• Retail assistants

• Cleaning roles

• Production operatives