Discount supermarket chain Aldi has announced it is set to create 35,000 new jobs in Britain in the coming eight years, looking to double their number of supermarkets by 2022.

Aldi has confirmed a £600 million investment to expand operations in the UK over the next two years, with plans to open 54 new stores this year and 60-65 next year. New jobs will include roles in store with a range of management and shop floor vacancies as well as jobs within Aldi’s offices and their regional distribution centres.  Aldi plans to create at least one apprenticeship position per store, per year as they strive towards 1,000 stores.

The plans were confirmed on Monday at the German discounter’s UK headquarters in Warwickshire, during a visit from Prime Minister, David Cameron where he met group managing directors Matthew Barnes and Roman Heini.

Matthew Barnes said: “Our expansion plans mean that we can accommodate growing shopper numbers, while ensuring that there is an Aldi store only a short drive away from people, no matter where they live in the country. We are opening our doors across the UK, making it even easier for people to shop and save with us."

David Cameron added: “Aldi's plans to create tens of thousands more jobs across the country are a vote of confidence in our long-term economic plan to back business, create more jobs and secure a brighter future for Britain. This news will mean more financial security for hardworking families and opportunities for young people who want to get on in life."