Aldi pledges to create 35,000 jobs

Employment: Discount supermarket chain Aldi pledged yesterday to create 35,000 new jobs in Britain as it strives for an estate of 1,000 stores by 2022.

In its latest salvo against the major grocery chains, Aldi said it plans to invest £600 million in British expansion — with store numbers set to more than double through the opening of 550 new outlets over the next eight years.

Bad weather ‘could strand’ seal pups

Wildlife: Seal pups could be left stranded on Britain’s coastline in record numbers if bad weather hits in the coming months, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals warned yesterday.

The charity said its resources were stretched and an increased intake in pups “would start to cause real problems” for its centres.

Its East Winch, Norfolk, centre was inundated last December when a tidal surge left 108 pups injured or stranded along the coast.

Schools get £23m for income gap

Education: Primary schools in England are to be handed an extra £22.5 million to help close the gap between the poorest and richest pupils, it was announced today.

The increased “pupil premium” funding for primaries will help teachers support disadvantaged youngsters from the time they start school and stop them falling behind, said Schools Minister David Laws.

Station cleaners strike over ‘series of issues’

Strikes: Cleaners at the busiest railway station in Britain are to stage two 24-hour strikes in a dispute over a “comprehensive breakdown” in industrial relations, it was announced yesterday.

Members of rail union RMT working for Inter­serve at London Waterloo will walk out from 3pm on November 17 and 21.

The union said it was in dispute with the company over a series of issues including employment rights, pay and claims of victimisation.