Supermarket giant Aldi has announced a new pay increase for store workers across the United Kingdom, cementing its status as the highest-paying supermarket in the country.
From 1st September, the minimum hourly rate for Aldi store assistants will rise to £13 nationwide, up from the current £12.75. Workers within the M25 will see a bump to £14.33, rising from the existing £14.05.
The increase doesn’t stop at minimums. Based on length of service, experienced Aldi store assistants can earn up to £13.93 per hour nationally, and as much as £14.64 per hour within the M25 zone.
In making this move, Aldi becomes the first UK supermarket to declare a minimum rate of £13 per hour.
Recognition and rewards: Aldi’s strategy of investment in people
Giles Hurley, Chief Executive Officer of Aldi UK and Ireland, said the decision was a direct reflection of the “hard work and the incredible contribution” made by Aldi employees on the shop floor every day.
“Our people are the driving force behind our success across the UK,” Mr Hurley commented. “We’re proud to remain the UK’s highest-paying supermarket and will continue to support our colleagues in every way we can.”
The further pay rise comes in the wake of Aldi being awarded Employer of the Year at The Grocer Gold Awards, where the retailer was praised for its competitive wages, staff development initiatives, and commitment to diversity and inclusion.
This development follows the UK government’s decision to raise the national minimum wage for workers aged 21 and over to £12.21 an hour in April. Since then, retailers across the country have taken steps to remain competitive in the battle to attract and retain talent.
- Tesco is due to lift hourly rates to £12.64 from the end of August, following a previous rise to £12.45 earlier this year.
- Sainsbury’s and Argos staff will see minimum rates go up to £12.60 in August.
- Lidl, Aldi’s German competitor, raised wages for thousands of UK staff to £12.75 an hour earlier in 2024.
While several supermarkets have acted to stay above the legal minimum, Aldi’s decision places it at the forefront of wage-led workforce strategies within the retail industry.
With inflationary pressures and the cost of living still presenting serious challenges to working households, the move by Aldi is likely to be welcomed by staff who rely on consistent, fair wages.
Aldi’s announcement sends a clear signal to the retail sector and beyond: sustainable operations must go hand-in-hand with responsible employment practices. It also represents a recognition that Aldi’s frontline UK workers are key to maintaining high standards of service and operational success.
By ensuring wages remain competitive, the company is not only responding to economic pressures but is also reinforcing its long-term commitment to a stable and valued workforce.
A look ahead
As the retail labour market continues to evolve, Aldi’s decision may influence similar moves from other high street names seeking to avoid recruitment challenges, Aldi continues to hire new recruits, increase salaries and accelerate its store expansion objectives.
With Aldi already positioned as a budget-friendly favourite among consumers, it remains to be seen how this investment in staff pay will translate into broader market gains — particularly in terms of employee satisfaction, retention, and customer experience.
The Workers Union will continue monitoring changes across all sectors, ensuring that members are kept informed about pay trends, legal entitlements, and opportunities to improve working conditions.
