Aldi has become the first UK supermarket to introduce a new £13.50 per hour entry-level pay rate for store assistants, implemented from April 1, 2026. The move boosts wages for 28,000 hourly-paid staff across the country, with those working inside the M25 earning £14.88 per hour. Pay rates increase further based on length of service, rising to £14.47 nationally and £15.20 within the M25.
Second Pay Rise This Year
This marks the second pay rise for Aldi workers in 2026, following enhanced rates and extended maternity pay announced in January. The supermarket chain, which operates over 1,080 stores in the UK, stated that the changes represent a £42 million investment in its workforce this year.
Highest Pay in the Sector
Aldi claims its new rates are higher than all its competitors and that it is the only major supermarket offering paid breaks to all staff—a benefit worth around £1,500 per year to the average store worker. Giles Hurley, CEO of Aldi UK and Ireland, said: "Our colleagues work incredibly hard to deliver exceptional value for our customers, and we're rewarding that dedication with the highest pay in the sector. We've invested over £42 million in colleague pay this year because we know that every single member of Team Aldi is fundamental to our success and deserve nothing less."
Competitors Also Raise Wages
Aldi is not alone in boosting pay. Rival German supermarket Lidl increased its entry-level national base rate to £13.45 at the end of March. Other major grocers including Morrisons, Sainsbury's, and Asda also raised wages this year amid ongoing cost-of-living pressures. The pay hikes come as the National Living Wage (for those aged 21 and over) rose to £12.71, while 18-20 year olds now earn a minimum of £10.85 under the National Minimum Wage. Apprentices and under-18s receive at least £8 per hour.
