Lidl, the German discount supermarket chain, has announced plans to increase hourly wages for its UK staff by more than 3% starting in June. The move marks the company’s third pay rise for British employees within the past 12 months.
From next month, Lidl workers across Britain will see their hourly rate rise from £12 to £12.40, while those based in London will receive £13.65 per hour, up from the previous £13.55 rate. The supermarket, owned by Germany’s Schwarz retail group, currently holds an 8% share of the UK grocery market, making it the sixth-largest chain in the country.
The pay increases at major employers like Lidl are being closely monitored by the Bank of England, which stated on Thursday that it remains vigilant due to the ongoing strong growth in wages, a factor contributing to inflationary pressures.
Lidl’s decision follows similar moves by other retailers, with John Lewis and Co-op both announcing 10% pay rises for their staff in March, shortly after the government raised the national living wage to £11.44 an hour.
Lidl has emphasised that the latest wage hike will ensure its 32,000 UK employees continue to receive “industry-leading pay” amid the ongoing battle against rising living costs.
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