Lidl raises warehouse staff pay again

London, UK: Warehouse workers at Lidl are to receive their third pay increase in the last 12 months with rates of up to £13.15 an hour. The discount retailer says its entry level pay is now up to 16% higher than traditional and premium priced supermarkets.

Both warehouse and store workers outside the M25 will see hourly pay increase to £11.40 from £11.00, rising to £12.30 with length of service. Meanwhile, pay for those inside the M25 will increase to £12.85 from £11.95, rising to £13.15.

Ryan McDonnell, chief executive at Lidl GB, said: “These new rates of pay will ensure that Lidl maintains its position as the UK’s highest paying supermarket. This investment recognises the hard work and contribution they make in serving communities across the country every day.”

Lidl GB recently announced it was looking to recruit over 1,500 warehouse colleagues across its regional distribution centre (RDC) network as part of its focus to strengthen infrastructure. This year will see its biggest warehouse globally open in Luton, while plans for a new RDC in Leeds have also been submitted which would create around 400 additional jobs.

Stephanie Rogers, chief human resources officer at Lidl GB, said: “Back in 2015, Lidl GB became the first supermarket to pay the voluntary living wage. This marked a fundamental change within the industry and continues to set the bar for other supermarkets.

“Over the last seven years, we’ve continued to uphold our commitment to ensuring that those working at Lidl GB receive a pay rate that not only recognises their hard work, but also aligns with rising living costs.”

The latest pay increase is due to come in from September.