Seven of the largest supermarket chains in the United Kingdom are moving toward £13 hourly wage structures as the cost of living continues to affect workers across the country. Major grocery retailers have started increasing staff salaries to support employees facing rising expenses for housing, food, and utilities.
The UK’s statutory minimum wage is scheduled to rise to £12.71 per hour in April 2026. However, several employers have decided to go beyond the legal minimum by adopting pay rates closer to the Real Living Wage. This rate is independently calculated by the Living Wage Foundation, a charitable organisation that evaluates real household costs across the UK.
Currently, the Real Living Wage is set at £13.45 per hour nationwide. Many retailers believe offering higher wages helps retain employees and improves staff satisfaction during a challenging economic period.
Aldi Announces New Pay Increases for Store Staff
Aldi has confirmed another salary increase for store assistants as part of its strategy to remain competitive in the UK supermarket sector. The discount retailer will increase hourly wages for shop floor workers to £13.50 starting in April, following an earlier pay rise already scheduled for March.
Employees working in London will earn £14.88 per hour, with additional increases available based on experience and length of service.
The company estimates that around 28,000 workers will benefit from the change. Aldi leadership says the move reflects its commitment to rewarding employees who help deliver strong value to customers across the country.
Lidl Invests £29 Million to Raise Employee Wages
Lidl has also revealed a significant investment of approximately £29 million to increase staff wages throughout its UK operations. The supermarket confirmed that all 35,000 employees will receive the pay increase.
Beginning 1 March, Lidl’s starting hourly wage across the UK will rise to £13.45, with the potential to reach £14.45 depending on tenure.
In London, pay rates will rise from £14.35 to £14.80 initially and could increase further to £15.30 for longer-serving employees.
Lidl highlighted that its workers are among the few in the supermarket sector who receive both the Real Living Wage nationally and the higher London Living Wage.
Tesco Plans Wage Boost for Over 300,000 Retail Employees
Tesco has also confirmed a wage increase for its retail workforce across the UK. More than 300,000 employees are expected to benefit from the new pay structure when it takes effect in March 2026.
Industry sources suggest that shop floor workers could see their hourly pay increase to around £13.35 nationwide. In London locations, hourly wages are expected to rise to approximately £14.71.
The move follows similar pay adjustments announced by other large retailers and reflects the ongoing competition to attract and retain staff within the grocery sector.
M&S Confirms Retail Pay Rise Starting April
Marks & Spencer has announced a wage increase for thousands of retail workers across the United Kingdom. Beginning 1 April, hourly pay will rise from £12.60 to £13.41 for employees outside London.
For staff working in London stores, the hourly rate will increase from £13.85 to £14.74.
The company estimates that approximately 55,000 employees will benefit from the updated pay structure.
Sainsbury’s Raises Hourly Pay Across the UK
Sainsbury’s has confirmed a pay increase for its hourly-paid workforce starting March 2026. Under the new structure, hourly wages will increase to £13.23 nationwide and £14.54 in London.
For full-time hourly employees, the pay rise is expected to increase annual earnings by more than £1,200. The company also emphasised that workers will continue to receive additional benefits as part of their employment package.
Company leadership stated that the wage increase reflects the dedication of staff who contribute to the retailer’s continued growth and customer service performance.
Current Pay Levels at Asda and Morrisons
Asda previously implemented a wage increase in October 2025. The supermarket currently pays £12.60 per hour to most staff across the UK, with London-based workers earning £13.82 per hour. Approximately 115,000 employees benefited from the previous pay adjustment.
Meanwhile, Morrisons employees currently receive a national hourly wage of £12.21. Workers in London earn slightly higher pay, with hourly rates reaching £13.06.
Both companies continue to review pay structures as competition in the UK grocery sector intensifies and retailers respond to rising living costs.
