Shop flooring employees at Waitrose shops across the UK saw their hourly pay elevated this month, in a main enhance for the chain’s staff. From April 1, their pay was boosted to at least £13.25 nationwide, with those working within the M25 getting £14.80 per hour.
Rates of pay will increase to £14.31 per hour for employees outside the M25 who “gain enhanced skills and take on specialist roles”, growing to £15.98 for London employees. Waitrose is operated by the employee-owned John Lewis Partnership, and shop-floor employees at its predominant model, John Lewis, will also benefit from the pay charge change. The partnership says it represents a £108 million investment in its workforce and a 6.9%-pay increase for store employees at both chains.
The pay increase outstrips the national minimal wage rise and interprets to an additional £1,600 per yr for a typical full-time Partner, it said.
John Lewis Partnership’s chief people officer, Helen Webb, said: “Our companions are the heartbeat of our business.
“This £108 million investment is about putting more money into their pockets month-in, month-out. This pay growth demonstrates a sustained commitment to partner pay, consistent with previous years.
“This ensures that the rewards for our companions’ laborious work are constructed into their month-to-month pay as we proceed to invest in the future of the Partnership.”
It comes as rival supermarket chains also upped workers’ pay in the past few weeks to keep and attract staff as cost-of-living pressures continue to bite.
Store assistants working at Aldi’s UK branches have had their pay boosted to at least £13.50 per hour, with those working inside in the M25 getting £14.88. Pay rates increase to £14.47 and £15.20 respectively based on length of service.
The German grocery giant says it marked the second pay rise for Aldi groups in 2026 alone, after January’s announcement of enhanced charges and prolonged maternity pay to 26 weeks at full pay.
Aldi says the offering is increased than its rivals, though other main chains including Lidl and Sainburys have also upped pay for their employees this yr.
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