Aldi sets standard as UK’s highest-paying supermarket

More than 28,000 hourly-paid workers across Britain will benefit, following July’s rise to £13 per hour.

Aldi stated the revision was made "to maintain its position as sector leader" and to "reinforce its pledge to never be beaten on pay."

The new minimum rate can rise to £13.95 based on tenure, whilst London-based staff will receive £14.35 per hour.

Store assistants currently earning £12.75 will see their pay increase by 27 pence per hour.

Giles Hurley, Chief Executive Officer, Aldi UK and Ireland, said: "Our people are the driving force behind our success across the UK.

"This latest investment in pay is a reflection of their hard work and the incredible contribution they make every single day. We’re proud to remain the UK’s highest-paying supermarket and will continue to support our colleagues in every way we can."

Do you have a money story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing money@gbnews.uk.

London employees will benefit from higher rates, with wages rising from £14.05 to £14.35 hourly. These metropolitan rates can reach £14.66 for longer-serving staff members.

The supermarket's compensation package includes paid breaks alongside the hourly wages.

The latest adjustment adds merely two pence to the previously announced September increase, yet positions Aldi marginally ahead of its closest competitor in the wage race.

Rival discounter Lidl GB recently announced its fifth wage increase within two years, setting its entry-level pay at £13 per hour from 1 September.

This rate can increase to £13.95 based on employment duration, with London workers receiving enhanced compensation.

The wage competition extends beyond discount retailers. Market leader Tesco plans to pay a minimum of £12.64 hourly from September, whilst the current government-mandated minimum wage stands at £12.21 per hour.

The statutory rate-setting body has indicated the minimum wage will likely need to reach £12.71 next year to align with governmental targets of two-thirds of median earnings.

The Bank of England continues monitoring wage settlements closely as it evaluates whether inflationary pressures permit further interest rate reductions.

Recent official statistics from 12 August revealed Britain's labour market has weakened, with payrolls declining for six consecutive months.

Despite employment contraction, wage growth remains robust, explaining the central bank's cautious approach to reducing borrowing costs.

The persistent strength in pay settlements across sectors, exemplified by the supermarket wage competition, presents challenges for monetary policy makers.

These wage increases occur against a backdrop of broader economic uncertainty, with the BoE balancing inflation control against supporting economic growth through interest rate decisions.