The National Minimum Wage in the UK is set to rise to £12.71 starting from April 2026. This increase comes amid ongoing discussions about wage growth in relation to the rising cost of living, which has reached historic levels since the pandemic.
Several major retailers have already announced their pay rates in response to the upcoming minimum wage changes. Aldi will pay its store assistants £13.50 hourly, while Lidl has raised its starting wage to £13.45 nationally as of March 1, 2026.
Sainsbury’s will offer an hourly wage of £13.23 nationally and £14.54 for staff based in London. Marks and Spencer is increasing its retail pay from £12.60 to £13.41 per hour from April 1, 2026.
Asda currently compensates its workforce at £12.60 hourly, with a planned increase to £13.82 for London-based staff. Notably, Lidl remains the only supermarket in the UK to pay both the Real Living Wage and the London Living Wage, which currently stands at £13.45.
Simon Roberts, Chief Executive of Sainsbury’s, emphasized the importance of their workforce, stating, “Our colleagues are at the heart of our business. Their hard work, dedication and commitment have driven our strong momentum and helped us win grocery market share growth for the sixth consecutive Christmas period.”
Hayley Tatum MBE, Chief People Officer at Asda, highlighted their investment in retail pay, saying, “We’re proud to have invested more than £500m in retail pay over the last four years.” Meanwhile, Giles Hurley, Chief Executive of Aldi UK and Ireland, remarked, “Every single member of Team Aldi is fundamental to our success and deserve nothing less.”
The adjustments in wages reflect a broader trend in the retail sector as companies strive to attract and retain talent amid economic pressures. The cost of living has significantly impacted wages and housing affordability, prompting calls for higher pay across various industries.
Observers expect further developments as the implementation date approaches, with many looking to see how these changes will affect overall employment and consumer spending in the UK.