Pay Increases Announced for UK Supermarket Workers
Starting April 2026, Marks & Spencer (M&S), Aldi, and Lidl will implement significant pay increases for their UK shop workers. M&S will raise its hourly rate for shop assistants to a minimum of £13.41, while Aldi’s pay increase will boost wages for 28,000 shop workers to £13.50 nationwide and £14.88 for those working inside the M25.
Lidl has also made strides, increasing its entry-level pay to £13.45 throughout Britain, which can rise to £14.45 based on experience. Customer assistants at M&S working within the M25 will see their pay rise to £14.74, reflecting a 6.4% increase for 55,000 UK shop floor staff.
The wage adjustments come amid a backdrop of rising living costs, with the annual UK CPI inflation rate recorded at 3.0% in January 2026. M&S’s pay rise marks a notable 34% boost in employee pay over the past four years, as the company has invested over £350 million in workers’ pay during this period.
Stuart Machin, M&S’s Chief Executive, emphasized the importance of investing in staff, stating, “Our store colleagues are at the heart of our business, welcoming and serving our customers every day and it is important that we invest in them and their pay.” He also noted, “This is a good cost and I am pleased that we have been able to make this inflation beating pay award, alongside our leading package of benefits.”
In terms of pricing, Aldi was reported as the cheapest supermarket with a total of £161.56 for a basket of products, closely followed by Lidl at £162.75. Julie Ashfield, from Aldi, remarked, “These findings show that shoppers don’t need to travel abroad to make real savings on their weekly shop,” highlighting the competitive pricing strategies of these retailers.
As the pay increases take effect, observers are keen to see how these changes will impact employee satisfaction and retention in a competitive retail environment. Details remain unconfirmed regarding any further adjustments or additional benefits that may accompany these pay rises.