Aldi has revealed plans to create 35,000 jobs in the UK as the discount grocer looks to open 550 new stores over the next eight years.

Aldi is striving towards 1,000 stores in the UK

The announcement was made as the Prime Minister visited the German retailer’s UK headquarters in Warwickshire earlier today.

Aldi, which is investing £600m on its UK expansion plans, aims to operate 1,000 stores in the UK by 2022.

The new jobs will include management, in-store and regional distribution centre positions.

Matthew Barnes, group managing director of Aldi UK, 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.”

Prime Minister David Cameron said: “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.”

The expansion plans come as it was revealed today that Sainsbury’s is expected to scale back plans to open larger stores as shoppers continually choose to shop at convenience stores.

Aldi has a 4.8% share of the UK grocery market.