Aldi, Lidl, and M&S Announce New Pay Rates
Aldi, Lidl, and Marks & Spencer (M&S) have revealed new pay rates for their employees, with M&S set to raise the hourly rate for shop assistants to a minimum of £13.41 starting April 2026. This increase comes as part of a broader trend among retailers to enhance employee wages amid rising living costs in the UK.
Aldi will increase wages for 28,000 shop workers to £13.50 nationwide and £14.88 for those working inside the M25. Meanwhile, Lidl’s minimum pay will rise to £13.45 nationally and £14.80 inside the M25, effective from March 2026.
The pay rise at M&S represents a 6.4% increase for 55,000 UK shop floor staff, significantly outpacing the UK Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate of 3.0% as of January 2026. This adjustment translates to an additional £132 per month or £1,587 annually for M&S employees compared to 2025.
Stuart Machin, M&S Chief Executive, emphasized the importance of investing in employees, 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 addition to the pay increase, M&S offers a 20% discount on all M&S branded products and contributes up to 12% towards workers’ pension funds, enhancing the overall compensation package for its employees.
Aldi was recently ranked as the cheapest supermarket in a price comparison study, with Julie Ashfield, Chief Commercial Officer at Aldi UK, stating, “These findings show that shoppers don’t need to travel abroad to make real savings on their weekly shop.”
Furthermore, Lidl’s pay can increase to £15.30 based on length of service for employees inside the M25, showcasing their commitment to rewarding long-term staff.
As the competition among supermarkets intensifies, the focus on employee compensation is expected to remain a key factor in attracting and retaining talent in the retail sector. A growing number of retailers have been increasing hourly wages to assist employees during tough economic times.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding how these changes will impact overall pricing strategies and customer experiences at these supermarkets.
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