Lidl GB has become joint top-paying UK supermarket, alongside rival Aldi, in terms of wages offered to employees.
From today (1 September), the supermarket giant is raising pay for the third time in 12 months in a move that impacts all 24,500 of its hourly-paid staff.
Rates have now increases from £11 to £11.40 per hour for those working outside the M25. Meanwhile, those inside the M25 have seen their hourly pay rise from £11.95 to £12.85. Depending on length of service, these rates will further increase to £12.30 and £13.15 respectively.
According to Lidl, which announced the move in May, the new pay policy has cost the business £8 million, and in the last year it has invested more than £60 million in employee pay.
Stephanie Rogers, chief human resources officer at Lidl GB, said: “Back in 2015, Lidl GB became the first supermarket to pay the voluntary living wage. This marked a fundamental change within the industry and continues to set the bar for other supermarkets.
“Over the last seven years, we’ve continued to uphold our commitment to ensuring that those working at Lidl GB receive a pay rate that not only recognises their hard work, but also aligns with rising living costs. I’m incredibly proud to be part of an organisation that puts its people first.”
The pay increases follow the launch of a range of new employee benefits, including life assurance as well as optional health and dental insurance. This builds on Lidl’s existing staff perks, such as enhanced holiday entitlements, career development opportunities and a 10% in-store discount.
Ryan McDonnell, CEO at Lidl GB, added: “These new rates of pay will ensure that Lidl maintains its position as the UK’s highest paying supermarket. Our people are at the core of everything we do, and this investment recognises the hard work and contribution they make in serving communities across the country every day.”
