In the wake of changes to the living wage and minimum wage in the spring, many retailers in the UK have taken steps to boost their staff wages. Among major supermarkets, German discount brands Aldi and Lidl have emerged as leaders in staff hourly pay, with Aldi recently announcing its second pay rise of the year to solidify its position as the best-paying supermarket in the UK. Lidl quickly followed suit with its third pay increase of the year in May, matching Aldi’s hourly rates.
Aldi now offers an hourly pay of £12.40 outside London and £13.65 inside the M25, making it one of the top-paying supermarkets in the country. In addition to competitive wages, Aldi also provides perks such as paid breaks, discounted gym memberships, and financial planning tools for its employees. However, the company does not offer cheaper meals, staff discounts, or bonus schemes.
Asda, another major supermarket chain, has also increased its hourly wages to £12.04 outside London and £13.21 inside the M25 as of July 1st. Along with the pay rise, Asda introduced new benefits such as free later-life care or mortgage advice, a pension plan, and a free remote GP service for its staff.
Co-op, Iceland, Lidl, M&S, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, and Waitrose are among the other retailers that have adjusted their staff wages to align with the changing wage landscape. Each company offers different hourly rates and benefits to their employees, ranging from discounts on products to healthcare schemes and bonus schemes.
For example, Co-op raised its minimum hourly wage to £12 for customer team members nationally, with higher rates for staff inside the M25. The company also provides discounts on Co-op branded products, a cycle to work scheme, childcare vouchers, and discounts on other services.
Iceland pays £11.50 per hour for staff aged 21 and over, with employees in London receiving £12.65 per hour. The company offers a 15% in-store discount, a healthcare scheme, and Christmas vouchers as additional perks for its employees.
Overall, the changes in staff wages and benefits across major UK retailers reflect a growing trend towards fairer compensation and improved working conditions for employees. As companies compete to attract and retain talent, offering competitive wages and benefits has become essential in the retail industry. By prioritizing the well-being and satisfaction of their staff, retailers can create a positive work environment and build a loyal and motivated workforce.