Aldi, Lidl, and M&S Announce Pay Increases for UK Shop Workers
Aldi, Lidl, and Marks & Spencer (M&S) have revealed significant pay increases for their shop workers, with M&S set to raise the hourly rate for shop assistants to a minimum of £13.41 starting April 2026. Aldi’s pay increase will elevate wages for 28,000 shop workers to £13.50 nationwide and £14.88 for those inside the M25.
Lidl has also joined the trend, with its minimum pay rising to £13.45 nationally and £14.80 inside the M25 from March 2026. These adjustments come as part of a broader movement among retailers to enhance wages amid rising living costs.
M&S’s pay rise represents a 6.4% increase for its 55,000 UK shop floor staff, significantly outpacing the UK Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate of 3.0% as of January 2026. M&S has invested over £350 million in workers’ pay over the past four years, marking a substantial 34% increase.
Stuart Machin, M&S’s CEO, emphasized the importance of investing in employees, stating, “Our store colleagues are at the heart of our business, welcoming and serving our customers every day and it is important that we invest in them and their pay.” He also noted, “This is a good cost and I am pleased that we have been able to make this inflation beating pay award, alongside our leading package of benefits.”
For M&S customer assistants working within the M25, their pay will rise to £14.74. Meanwhile, Lidl’s pay can rise to £15.30 based on length of service, and Aldi’s pay can reach £15.20 depending on tenure.
In addition to competitive wages, M&S offers a 20% discount on all M&S branded products and contributes up to 12% towards workers’ pension funds, enhancing its benefits package.
This trend of increasing wages reflects a growing recognition of the role that retail workers play in the success of these companies, especially as they navigate challenging economic conditions. As retailers continue to compete for talent, observers are watching closely to see how these changes will impact the industry.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the long-term effects of these pay increases on employee retention and overall job satisfaction. However, the immediate response from workers and customers alike suggests a positive reception to these changes.
