Atherstone, UK: Discount chain Aldi is increasing the pay of distribution centre staff as retailers continue to struggle to recruit and retain warehouse workers.
Aldi says this means all hourly paid warehouse workers will have received pay rises of up to 9% on their January 2022 rates.
Aldi said the majority of its warehouse workers, known as selectors, would now earn a minimum of £12.66 an hour, up from £11.95 at present after an increase from £11.48 in January.
Those working in London will receive a minimum of £13.05 an hour. Staff working night shifts will get a premium of 25% on basic pay, up from 20% previously.
In total, 4,200 staff working at the 11 Aldi distribution centres serving 970 stores will get the pay rise.
Giles Hurley, chief executive, Aldi UK and Ireland, said: “This announcement recognises the amazing contribution our logistics colleagues make in serving communities across the country.
“We’re also pleased to be able to increase the night premium we pay to our many colleagues who work so hard to keep our stores well stocked.”
Retailers have been forced to raise pay for both warehouse and delivery staff this year. In April this year Global Cold Chain News reported that Tesco was increasing pay for home delivery drivers
Tesco delivery drivers are now earning an extra 90p per hour, which took the total hourly rate to £11 from 24 July 2022. The new deal also includes changes to the benefits that employees receive, extending their discount at stores, as well as more investment in training.
