Tesco Ireland will invest more than €18 million (£15.7 million) in pay and benefits for its employees in 2026.
The supermarket employs more than 13,500 permanent employees across 188 stores, distribution centres and offices across Ireland.
From 1 January 2026, all hourly-paid store and distribution employees will receive a 3% pay rise. This will bring the average hourly rate to €18.13 (£15.83). It has also made an annual €3.5 million (£3 million) investment in pensions auto-enrolment for more than 4,000 employees to support their retirement savings.
Over the last two years, the supermarket has invested more than €30 million (£26.1 million) in pay and benefits.
Tesco Ireland will also invest €3 million (£2.6 million) in additional permanent work hours for its employees. In doing so, it is aiming to support teams in large stores and online operations to better serve its growing customer base.
Maurice Kelly, people director at Tesco Ireland, said: “Our employees are the heart of our business. This pay award and investment in additional hours for employees reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting their financial wellbeing and work-life balance. Along with benefits for employees such as free virtual GP care and our family leave policies, we’re ensuring Tesco remains a highly attractive place to work and leading the way in employee salaries and benefits.”
Enhancements made to Tesco Ireland’s benefits in 2025 included the removal of a cap on the annual staff discount that was previously limited to €2,000 (£1,745), and the continued promotion of its free virtual GP service, which saves employees more than €100,000 (£87,295) in GP fees annually.
Tesco Ireland also offers its employees a 24/7, 365-day employee assistance programme that includes access to confidential telephone counselling and mental health support, a digital gym and nutrition hub, legal and financial assistance, cancer support, and life and parenting coaching.
