Discount supermarket chain Aldi has announced plans for an expansion during 2017 which will add 4,000 new jobs. The retailer plans to open 70 new stores, including its 700th UK store in February 2017, and remains on course for having a network of 1,000 stores  by 2020. As well as announcing the expansion, Aldi also announced plans to raise its wage levels for staff, making it the highest paying supermarket, with a rate of GBP 8.53 (€10.05) per hour (GBP 9.75 (€11.48) for staff in London), which is higher than the National Living Wage, but also higher than the voluntary Living Wage Foundation's rate of GBP 8.25 (€9.72).  

As well as the announcement at the national level, there have been media reports at more local levels. For example, in Scotland it has been reported that 300 jobs will be created in 2017 with the opening of six new stores. Media reports have also carried details of individual store openings.