Aldi has once again cemented its position as a leader in fair pay, announcing a new hourly rate increase for its store workers that surpasses rival supermarket chains such as Sainsbury’s. From 1 March, the supermarket will raise its hourly rates to £14 within the M25 and £12.71 across the rest of the UK.
This significant move ensures that Aldi maintains the highest entry-level hourly pay in the UK supermarket sector, reinforcing its commitment to rewarding employees for their contributions.
Aldi vs. the Competition: Setting New Standards
The increase outpaces recent pay announcements by Sainsbury’s, whose hourly rates are set to rise to £13.70 in London and £12.45 elsewhere in March, followed by further increases to £13.85 and £12.60 in August. With this latest adjustment, Aldi is poised to surpass Lidl after it set a new standard in the supermarket sector with its highest hourly pay crown, which has traditionally matched Aldi’s pay rates, though Lidl may still respond with a similar increase before March.
Both Aldi and Lidl have consistently offered industry-leading pay to attract talent amid their robust expansion plans across the UK. Aldi’s new pay rise rates also exceed the Real Living Wage recommended by the Living Wage Foundation, reflecting the company’s focus on delivering a supportive and competitive work environment.
Additional Benefits for Aldi Workers
In addition to offering the sector’s highest pay rates and its continued supercharged expansion, Aldi remains the only major UK supermarket to provide paid breaks to its staff. This benefit, valued at £1,370 annually for an average UK worker, underscores the company’s dedication to employee well-being.
Workers with longer service will also see higher pay rates. From March, experienced employees will earn £13.62 per hour nationally and £14.23 per hour within the M25.
Giles Hurley, CEO of Aldi UK & Ireland, highlighted the company’s commitment to its workforce, stating:
“Our colleagues are the best in the business, and this latest pay rise reflects our ongoing commitment to ensuring they remain the best paid. Every single dedicated Aldi worker plays an absolutely vital role in delivering on our promise to bring unbeatable Aldi prices to even more customers across the UK.”
A Sector-Leading Approach
Aldi’s decision to prioritize competitive pay and employee benefits not only positions it as an employer of choice but also sets a benchmark for the wider supermarket industry. This announcement highlights Aldi’s dedication to rewarding hard work and fostering a workplace culture that values its people.
The Workers Union Says…
“The latest pay increase will undoubtedly attract more recruits to Aldi’s ever-expanding store network while strengthening the company’s reputation as a top UK employer.”
