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Lidl is set to close more than 800 of its UK stores for 24 hours next month. In previous years, the German grocery chain closed its branches in England and Wales on Easter Sunday. This year, it falls on April 5.

The retailers' stores across the two UK nations are expected to be open on Good Friday, but with opening hours reduced. Staff will then be able to look forward to a well-earned break on the Sunday. Government rules prevent shops in England and Wales larger than 280 square metres from opening on Easter Sunday.

These stores will be open on Easter Monday (a Bank Holiday), though with reduced hours (9am to 9pm), The Sun reports.

Stores across Scotland will remain open on Sunday as they're not subject to the same trade restrictions.

You can check the opening times of your local branch using the discounter's store finder tool.

Meanwhile, earlier this month (March 1), the discounter increased hourly pay for store assistants outside London to £13.45, rising further to £14.00, depending on length of service.

In London, entry-level pay will increase to £14.80 per hour, with experienced staff able get up to £15.35.

It comes as rival supermarket chains are also upping workers' pay to keep and attract staff as cost-of-living pressures continue to bite.

On April 1, Store Assistants working at Aldi's UK branches will also see their pay boosted (to £13.50 per hour nationally, with those working inside in the M25 getting £14.88).

These pay rates rise to £14.47 and £15.20 respectively based on length of service.

Aldi says the change will benefit 28,000 hourly-paid store workers, and that its new new rates are higher those of all its competitors.