Aldi introduces new 2p rule after 'higher than planned' pay rise for staff from Monday

Aldi has confirmed that it will implement a 2p rule from Monday morning, giving its supermarket staff across the UK an unexpected pay rise.

The German discount supermarket announced in July that it would increase the hourly wage for store assistants from £12.75 to £13.00 starting 1 September, and it has now further increased this to £13.02 to maintain its leading position in the sector.

This move comes after Lidl, Aldi's competitor, introduced a £13 hourly wage for its employees. Over 28,000 Aldi store colleagues paid by the hour across the UK will receive a larger than anticipated pay rise as the supermarket reaffirms its commitment to unbeatable pay.

With length of service, the rate increases to £13.95. In London, the new rates for Aldi's retail workers are rising from £14.05 an hour to £14.35, increasing to £14.66 with length of service.

This marks the second pay increase for Aldi store colleagues this year, reinforcing Aldi's long-standing position as the highest-paying supermarket in the UK, rivalled by Lidl, Asda, Morrisons and others. Aldi is also the only retailer to offer all colleagues paid breaks, which is worth approximately £1,425 a year for the average store colleague.

Giles Hurley, Chief Executive Officer of Aldi UK and Ireland, stated: "Our colleagues are at the heart of our success, and we're committed to ensuring they are fully rewarded for the outstanding work they do.

"Today's higher than planned pay rise is part of our promise to never be beaten on pay."