Aldi and Lidl lead UK supermarket pay race with latest wage increases

In the fierce competition to be the UK’s best-paying supermarket, it’s the two German discount supermarket chains setting the pace. Aldi has announced a second pay rise for its hourly paid store workers in just two months, matching a recent increase from rival Lidl GB on 10 February.

From 1 March 2025, Aldi Store Assistants will see their minimum hourly wage rise to £12.75 across the UK, with those working inside the M25 receiving £14.05. This exceeds the Real Living Wage set by the Living Wage Foundation and reinforces Aldi’s position as the nation’s highest-paying supermarket. Pay will increase further based on length of service, rising to £13.66 nationally and £14.35 within the M25.

The move comes ahead of the UK government’s planned increase in the National Minimum Wage to £12.21 per hour in April. Aldi has also pledged a further pay rise in September 2025, setting its baseline rate at £12.85 nationwide and £14.16 in London.

Aldi remains the only UK supermarket to offer all colleagues paid breaks, a benefit estimated to be worth an additional £1,370 annually for the average store worker.

Commenting on the pay rise, Aldi UK and Ireland CEO Giles Hurley said: “This latest increase recognises the important contribution that our colleagues make day in, day out and ensures they are rewarded fully for their contribution with industry-leading pay.

“Every member of Team Aldi plays an important role in providing the best products, service and value to the millions of shoppers that visit our stores.”

Aldi’s announcement follows Lidl’s recent pay boost, which sees entry-level wages rise to £12.75 nationally, up from £12.40, with further increases to £13.65 based on service length. In London, Lidl’s starting pay will rise to £14, increasing to £14.35 over time.

The discounter’s latest investment into pay totals almost £15 million, including increases for salaried colleagues across the business. In the last 12 months alone, Lidl GB’s investment in pay totals over £54 million.

With both Aldi and Lidl setting the bar, the pressure mounts on the UK’s traditional supermarket giants to keep pace.