Lidl is planning on opening 25 new stores in the UK by the end of the year, creating 1,000 jobs.

The expansion plans are part of the discount retailer’s goal to open 1,000 branches by the end of 2023.

The proposals will also see the retailer invest £1.3 billion in the UK for 2021 and 2022 – seeing another 100 stores created across Britain and 4,000 new jobs.

Lidl chief executive officer Christian Härtnagel said: “It is testament to the continued hard work of our colleagues that we are able to continue forging ahead with our expansion plans, despite the challenging circumstances that have been faced over the past months.

“I am incredibly grateful to all Lidl teams for their unwavering commitment to keeping the nation fed, and we very much look forward to welcoming more people into the Lidl family in the weeks and months ahead.”

Some of the 25 stores will open in Selhurst, Harrow Weald, Coleford and Llandudno Junction, with other potential site for new stores include Winchester, Didsbury and Cardiff City Centre.

Workers at the new stores will earn a minimum of £9.30 per hour outside of London and £10.75 within the M25, which is higher than the Government’s National Living Wage.

During the coronavirus lockdown in the UK, Lidl also created more than 2,500 temporary jobs, to help those facing redundancy and while helping with the surge in shopping.

Ryan McDonnell, chief commercial officer at Lidl GB, said, “At Lidl, we simply won’t be beaten on price – so we’re delighted that Which?’s analysis proves that.

“We know that families across the country are continuing to feel the impact of COVID-19 on their finances, so now more than ever, we’re committed to offering the best quality and value to our customers.”