Low-cost supermarket chain Lidl is to give all of its frontline workers a one-off £200 ‘thank-you’ in appreciation of the commitment staff have shown during the Covid-19 (Coronavirus) crisis.
The payment – to in-store staff, cleaners and those who work in its warehouses – will be awarded to around 25,000 workers, at a cost to the business of around £5.5 million.
The retailer's 1,800 office-based staff will also receive a £100 thank-you, and all the payments reward what company chief executive Christian Härtnagel describes as the “phenomenal job” they have done.
Commenting on the award, he said: “This payment is about recognising our employees' unrelenting hard work and thanking each individual for the important part they’ve played in a year like no other.”
Härtnagel added: “It has been an extremely challenging period recently, and our teams have done a phenomenal job helping to keep the nation fed. I am incredibly proud of the dedication and commitment our colleagues have shown.”
While many retailers have been forced to close during 2020, Lidl has seen its revenues grow significantly the last year. In Q1 of 2020 it was officially named as the UK’s fastest growing supermarket, reaching a 6.1% market share. Last summer it announced growth plans that included an ambition to open 30 stores in London by 2023, creating 1,400 jobs.
In the four weeks of December alone it recorded a growth in sales of 17.9% compared to the same period a year earlier.
This latest payment to staff comes on the back of it giving a £150 gift voucher to all colleagues in March of last year – also in recognition of their efforts.
