Aldi, Lidl, and M&S Adjust Pay Rates
Aldi, Lidl, and Marks & Spencer (M&S) are making significant changes to their pay structures, with M&S set to raise the hourly rate for shop assistants to a minimum of £13.41 starting April 1, 2026.
Aldi’s pay increase will elevate wages for 28,000 shop workers to £13.50 nationwide, and £14.88 for those working inside the M25. Meanwhile, Lidl has increased its entry-level pay to £13.45 throughout Britain, with potential earnings rising to £14.45 based on experience.
M&S’s wage increase reflects a 6.4% boost for its 55,000 UK shop floor staff. Customer assistants working within the M25 will see their pay rise to £14.74. This adjustment is notable as it is double the UK Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate of 3.0% as of January 2026.
Stuart Machin, CEO of M&S, 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.”
Over the past four years, M&S has invested over £350 million in workers’ pay, marking a substantial 34% boost in compensation. This investment reflects the central role that employees play as M&S reshapes its business for growth.
The trend of increasing hourly wages among retailers is a response to the challenging financial landscape many workers are facing. As inflation continues to impact living costs, companies are recognizing the need to support their employees through higher wages.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the long-term sustainability of these pay increases and how they will affect overall pricing strategies in the competitive retail market.