Tesco agrees to cost-of-living pay rise for distribution centre employees

Tesco distribution centre

Around 2,400 Tesco distribution centre employees have gained a 9.5% pay rise in order to help manage the rising cost of living.

The pay rise has been applied to all employees in distribution centres managed by Pertemps, including those in Lichfield, Livingstone and Daventry. Pertemps noted that it hopes the pay rise will help ease the cost of living strain, while also attracting talent to the distribution centres. 

Kev Rooney, distribution centre manager at Tesco Lichfield, said: “We know people are our biggest asset and it was important to us to recognise that. There are rising costs everywhere and we wanted to ensure that our staff at Tesco Lichfield were compensated for this and rewarded for their hard work.

“Other changes are being offered as well, with pay parity from day-one rather than new starters on a lower rate during their probation and great performance incentives.

“The loyalty our workers show is fantastic, and we hope that these positive changes will not only help us keep our talent, but also attract more in the local area.”

Neil Mancey, director of Pertempts, said: “Pertemps and Tesco always strive to provide the best possible experience for our colleagues and this latest investment clearly demonstrates how we support staff and aid their development.”

A Tesco spokesperson said: “We are pleased to have reached an agreement with USDAW that recognises the important role our colleagues in distribution play in our business. This award will help ensure we retain colleagues and help us address labour shortages currently seen across the warehousing and logistics industry.

“We have a strong track record of making substantial investments in pay, recognising the valued contribution our colleagues make. These investments are central to making Tesco a great place to work for all, and a place that attracts and retains the best talent.”