Waitrose’s new £13.25 rule in all UK stores – started in April | UK | News
Store staff at Waitrose stores across the UK have seen their hourly pay rise this month; This means a big increase for the chain’s employees. From 1 April their wages were increased to at least £13.25 nationwide; Those working on the M25 receive £14.80 an hour.
Pay rates will rise to £14.31 per hour for workers outside the M25 who are “acquiring advanced skills and taking on specialist roles” and to £15.98 for London workers. Waitrose is operated by the employee-owned John Lewis Partnership, and production staff at its parent brand John Lewis will also benefit from the change in pay rate. The partnership says this represents a £108 million investment in the workforce and a 6.9% increase in pay for store staff across both chains.
It was stated that the pay rise outpaced the increase in the national minimum wage and meant an extra £1,600 per year for a typical full-time Associate.
Helen Webb, chief people officer at John Lewis Partnership, said: “Our partners are the heart of our business.
“This £108 million investment is about putting more money in their pockets every month. This pay increase demonstrates a sustained commitment to partners’ pay, consistent with previous years.
“This ensures that our partners’ hard work is rewarded in their monthly salaries as we continue to invest in the future of the Partnership.”
It comes after rival supermarket chains also increased workers’ wages in the past few weeks to retain and attract staff as cost of living pressures continue.
Salaries for shop assistants working in Aldi’s UK branches have been increased to at least £13.50 per hour; Those working on the M25 will receive £14.88. Pay rates rise to £14.47 and £15.20 respectively depending on length of service.
The German grocery giant said it was the second pay rise for Aldi teams in 2026 alone, following the announcement of increased rates and the extension of maternity pay to 26 weeks at full pay in January.
Aldi says the offer is higher than rivals, although other major chains such as Lidl and Sainburys have also increased workers’ wages this year.
