Starting April 1, 2026, Marks & Spencer (M&S) will raise the hourly rate for shop assistants to a minimum of £13.41. This increase comes as part of a broader trend among retailers to enhance employee compensation amid rising living costs.

Aldi will also increase wages for its 28,000 shop workers to £13.50 nationwide, with those working inside the M25 earning £14.88. Lidl has announced an entry-level pay increase to £13.45, which can rise to £14.45 based on experience.

Details of M&S Pay Rise

M&S’s pay rise represents a 6.4% increase for its 55,000 UK shop floor staff. Customer assistants working within the M25 will see their pay rise to £14.74. This increase is notable as it is double the UK Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate of 3.0% as of January 2026.

Over the past four years, M&S has invested over £350 million in employee pay, marking a 34% increase. M&S employees also benefit from a 20% discount on all M&S branded products.

Competitive Landscape

In terms of pricing, Aldi was ranked as the cheapest supermarket with a total of £161.56 for a basket of everyday products, while Lidl followed closely behind at £162.75.

M&S’s recent pay increase translates to an additional £132 per month or £1,587 per year compared to 2025, highlighting the company’s commitment to its workforce.

Statements from Leadership

Stuart Machin, CEO of M&S, emphasized the importance of investing in employees, stating, “Our store colleagues are at the heart of our business, welcoming and serving our customers every day, and it is important that we invest in them and their pay.” He also noted, “This is a good cost and I am pleased that we have been able to make this inflation-beating pay award, alongside our leading package of benefits.”

As the retail sector continues to evolve, these pay adjustments reflect the central role employees play in shaping the future of these companies. Observers expect further developments in the competitive landscape of retail wages.

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