BUDGET supermarket Aldi has announced it is looking for people to fill 170 new jobs in Essex.

The store has seen a rise in customers at the expense of supermarkets such as Tesco and Sainsbury’s as shoppers look to cut their food bills.

The company recently opened a new branch in Benfeet and now needs to fill the posts to cope with its continuing expansion.

Aldi requires about 100 store assistants and 50 stock assistants for its new and existing stores including in Westcliff, Romford, Witham, and Colchester.

Graham Hetherington, Aldi regional managing director, said: “Essex is a key area of growth for the business, and our imminent expansion has created an immediate requirement for a significant number of store staff across our existing and upcoming stores.

“We’re looking to attract applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds, including supermarket, fast-food and clothing chains, who can demonstrate relevant retail experience, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.”

Essex Chamber of Commerce welcomed the announcement saying it was a good sign for the economy.

Denise Rossiter, chief executive of the organisation which supports Essex businesses, said: “It is great news for Essex as a whole.

It’s good to see the retail sector expanding.

“Job creation always shows the economy is getting stronger, so it’s a good sign.”

The company is looking for candidates with good maths skills for store and stock assistant positions.

Full training will be provided for store assistants over a sixweek period and roles are available from 15 to 30 hours a week, with salaries starting at £8.15 per hour and a chance of promotion.

The company is also looking for store managers, assistant store managers and deputy store managers across Essex earning from £24,500 to £37,000 per year.

Applications and more information can be found at aldi recruitment.co.uk