Morrisons Confirms Second Pay Rise of 2026 as Supermarket Wages Continue to Climb
Thousands of supermarket workers across the UK are set to receive another pay increase this month after Morrisons confirmed the second stage of its 2026 pay agreement will take effect from 20 July.
The latest increase means Customer Assistants working in Morrisons stores will see their hourly rate rise from £12.81 to £13.00, with other eligible hourly-paid roles receiving a 19p per hour increase.
It follows the first phase of the agreement, which was implemented earlier this year and backdated to 30 March 2026. A final increase is already scheduled for 26 October 2026, when Customer Assistant pay will rise again to £13.11 per hour, while other eligible hourly rates will increase by a further 11p.
Alongside the staged pay rises, eligible hourly-paid colleagues are also receiving a one-off payment of between £25 and £175, depending on their contracted hours.
Morrisons hourly pay to reach £13.11 by October as supermarket sector battles to attract workers
The agreement reflects the continued competition among Britain’s largest supermarkets to recruit and retain experienced employees during a period of ongoing labour shortages and cost-of-living pressures.
Competition for workers continues
Morrisons is not alone in increasing pay during 2026.
Several major supermarket chains have introduced above-inflation wage increases as competition for experienced retail workers intensifies.
Current hourly rates include:
| Supermarket | National Hourly Rate | London Hourly Rate |
| Morrisons (from 20 July) | £13.00 | £13.00 |
| Morrisons (from 26 October) | £13.11 | £13.11 |
| Sainsbury’s | £13.23 | £14.54 |
| Lidl | £13.45 (up to £14.00 with service) | £14.80 (up to £15.35) |
| Aldi | £13.50 (up to £14.47 with service) | £14.88 (up to £15.20) |
The continued rise in supermarket pay demonstrates how employers are responding to increased competition for skilled retail staff, particularly as inflation and household costs continue to affect workers across the UK.
Morrisons thanks colleagues
Announcing the agreement earlier this year, Morrisons Group People Director Jodie Keating said:
“We’re pleased that we can now implement the pay proposal and increase pay for our colleagues to reward them for the contribution they make to our business. I would like to thank all our colleagues for everything they continue to do for Morrisons.”
Jonathan Morgan, Spokesperson for The Workers Union, welcomed the continued improvements in supermarket pay but said employers should view fair wages as only one part of creating good workplaces.
He said: “Pay increases are always welcome, particularly when many working families continue to face higher everyday living costs. Retail workers perform an essential role in communities across the UK and deserve to be recognised for the value they bring.
“However, good employment is about more than hourly pay. Workers also value secure employment, fair treatment, supportive management, opportunities for development and confidence that concerns will be listened to when they arise.
“It is encouraging to see employers competing to improve pay, and we hope that focus continues to extend to creating positive workplaces where people feel respected, valued and supported throughout their careers.”
What this means for UK workers
The latest Morrisons pay increase highlights a wider trend emerging across the retail sector.
Employers are increasingly recognising that attracting and retaining experienced workers requires competitive pay alongside better workplace practices.
For employees considering careers within food retail, supermarket wages have risen significantly over the past two years, with several major employers now offering starting rates well above the National Living Wage.
As competition for staff continues, further improvements across the sector may follow.
