Shop assistants at Waitrose stores across the UK have had their hourly pay increased from today, in a boost for the chain’s workforce. From Wednesday (April 1), shop floor staff pay has been upped to at least £13.25 nationwide, with those working within the M25 getting £14.80 per hour.
Meanwhile, rates of pay for workers outside the M25 who “gain enhanced skills and take on specialist roles”, has risen to £14.31 per hour, increasing to £15.98 for London workers. Waitrose is operated by the employee-owned John Lewis Partnership, and shop assistants at its main brand, John Lewis, will also benefit from the change. It represents a 6.9% pay increase for shop staff at both chains, outstripping the national minimum wage rise and translating to an extra £1,600 per year for a typical full-time Partner, the John Lewis Partnership says.
The pay rise represents a £108 million investment in its workforce, the retail business says.
John Lewis Partnership’s chief people officer, Helen Webb, said: “Our partners are the heartbeat of our business. This £108 million investment is about putting more money into their pockets month-in, month-out.
“This pay growth demonstrates a sustained commitment to partner pay, consistent with previous years.
“This ensures that the rewards for our partners’ hard work are built into their monthly pay as we continue to invest in the future of the Partnership.”
It comes as rival supermarket chains like Aldi and Sainsbury’s have also upped workers’ pay to keep and attract staff amid on-going cost pressures.
Aldi has just become the first UK supermarket to introduce £13.50 per hour wage, with those working inside in the M25 getting £14.88.
They pay rates increase to £14.47 and £15.20 respectively based on length of service.
Sainbury’s previously announced it would be bringing in an above-inflation pay increase of 5% for hourly paid workers from March.
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