Marks & Spencer has announced it will raise the hourly rate for shop assistants to a minimum of £13.41 from April, making it the third highest-paying retailer behind Aldi and Lidl
Rachel Williams Fashion & Beauty Writer and Kieran Murray
09:21, 07 Mar 2026
Marks and Spencer is now the third best paying supermarket following Aldi and Lidl(Image: ChronicleLive)
A growing number of retailers have been increasing hourly wages to help workers navigate tough financial times. So far, both Aldi and Lidl have announced “market-leading” pay packets for thousands of employees.
Now adding its name to that lengthening list is British high street stalwart Marks and Spencer. The firm’s chief executive has revealed that 55,000 UK shop floor staff will enjoy a 6.4 per cent boost kicking off next month in an “inflation-beating pay award.”
The hourly rate for shop assistants will jump to a minimum of £13.41, meaning an extra £132 each month and £1,587 per year compared with 2025. Meanwhile, customer assistants working within the M25 will witness their pay packets swell to £14.74.
This news comes as the annual UK CPI inflation rate dipped slightly from its earlier 3.4 per cent registered in December 2025. Figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show the rate sat at 3.0 per cent during January 2026, suggesting M&S‘ award represents double the inflation rate.
M&S has now cemented its place as the third highest-paying retailer across the country following this move, sitting just behind its budget German supermarket rivals. Aldi currently claims the top position with its own pay increase also coming into force from 1st April, reports the Daily Record, reports Chronicle Live.
The discount retailer announced last month that it would boost wages for 28,000 shop workers to £13.50 nationwide and £14.88 inside the M25. These rates can then rise to £14.47 and £15.20 respectively depending on how long staff have been with the company.
Meanwhile, budget supermarket Lidl increased its entry-level pay from 1st March to £13.45 throughout Britain, rising to £14.45 based on experience, whilst inside the M25 it stands at £14.80, advancing to £15.30 according to length of service.
The wage increase at Marks and Spencer also marks a 34 per cent boost in employee pay over the past four years. The firm has previously pledged £350 million through its “reshape for growth” strategy which has included numerous extra benefits.
Among these is an unlimited 20 per cent discount on all M&S branded food, fashion, beauty and home products. The high street giant also offers what it calls a “sector-leading” Sharesave scheme, whilst furthermore contributing up to 12 per cent towards workers’ pension funds.
Stuart Machin, M&S chief executive said: “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.
“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.
“This investment reflects the central role our people play as we reshape MandS for growth. As always I thank our colleagues for their continued hard work and commitment.”
M&S hasn’t just focused on boosting hourly wages – the high street giant has also unveiled plans identifying 500 prospective locations for expansion across Britain.