Supermarket chain Lidl GB has increased the hourly pay rate of all store and warehouse employees, effective from 1 October and representing a £39.5 million investment.
The business has increased entry-level pay from £10.10 to £10.90 per hour for those outside of London and £11.30 to £11.95 per hour for those within the M25, with workers set to earn up to £12.00 and £13.00, respectively.
More than 23,500 members of staff will benefit from this change, and full-time workers will each earn around £2,000 more a year.
This represents an increase of between 10% to 14.5% year-on-year, and will result in 40% of hourly paid workers earning £12.00 an hour, depending on their length of service. In addition, Lidl GB’s night shift premium rate will also increase from £2.00 per hour to £3.00, along with its freezer premium, which will rise to £1.50 per hour, from £1.00.
This is the second pay increase introduced by Lidl GB this year, in recognition of the ongoing hard work of store and warehouse workers as the cost-of-living crisis continues. The retailer has reportedly invested more than £83.5 million into hourly pay over the past six years.
Ryan McDonnell, chief executive officer of Lidl GB, said: “We have introduced these rate increases to reflect the key role and tireless efforts of our incredible staff working in our 935 stores and 13 warehouses. The role that we as a discounter play in giving households access to good, affordable food cannot be underestimated, now more than ever. But the ongoing commitment and dedication of our workers in making it all possible for our customers cannot be underestimated either, our business simply would not run without them.”
Lidl GB currently offers staff enhanced holiday entitlement, ongoing development opportunities and a 10% discount in stores.