Technology retailer Currys has awarded its 10,000 hourly paid store employees a pay rise, the fourth in 18 months, with rates increasing from £10.35 per hour to £10.50 across the UK.
The rate will rise to £11.50 per hour for those located in London, with both increasing again to £10.80 and £11.80, respectively, after six months.
According to Currys, store staff can earn more than the hourly rate, with an average store bonus of 89p per hour, while top earners make up to £3 per hour. With average hourly bonuses added on, pay will rise to £11.39 per hour.
High-performing employees who have passed a six-month onboarding and skills development programme will also see their minimum hourly rate increase to £10.80 per hour, or £11.80 for those based in London.
Paula Coughlan, chief people, communications and sustainability officer at Currys, said: “We know that investing in our staff is the most important thing we can do, especially with the continued cost-of-living crisis. This latest increase means that we are one of the highest paying retailers in the UK.
“I am really proud that we can continue to show our support for our amazing capable and committed employees, who are our magic ingredient, and at the heart of everything we do. We know that happy workers make for happy customers and happy shareholders too.”
In addition to pay and bonuses, Currys offers staff wellbeing support, including on demand support from Champion Health and access to more than 1,200 mental health first aiders, 10% off selected products in-store and online, and 20% off care and repair services.
Employees additionally have the chance to save between 3% and 5% every week on shopping at Asda, Morrisons and Sainsbury's, access to financial wellbeing guides and tools to manage money from Salary Finance, crisis loans for staff facing hardship, an employee assistance programme (EAP) and counselling on budgeting, credit cards, pensions or savings.