Aldi Raises Minimum Wage to Over £14—Retaining Its Position as Highest-Paying UK Supermarket

Aldi has once again made waves in the UK supermarket sector by raising its minimum wage for store assistants. Starting 1 September 2025, the discount retailer will pay a minimum of £13 per hour nationwide. The increase comes amid rising living costs and heightened competition in the retail market.

The move reflects Aldi's continued commitment to rewarding staff fairly while maintaining its lead as the highest-paying supermarket in the UK. It also demonstrates the company's strategic approach to navigating a challenging economic landscape.

Aldi to Raise Base Pay to £13 Nationwide and Over £14 in London

From 1 September, Aldi will raise its base hourly wage to at least £13 across the UK, up from £12.75. For employees working within the M25 London area, the hourly rate will rise to £14.33, up from £14.05.

More experienced store assistants will receive even higher pay, reaching £13.93 nationally and £14.64 inside the M25, depending on length of service. This marks the second pay rise announced by Aldi in 2025, following a previous increase in March, according to The Independent.

In addition, Aldi continues to offer paid breaks to all store colleagues—an employee benefit worth approximately £1,385 per year.

Aldi Remains as UK's Highest-Paying Supermarket

Aldi's new pay rates continue to outpace the Real Living Wage of £12.60 set by the Living Wage Foundation in October 2024. The company maintains its reputation as the UK's highest-paying supermarket.

'Our people are the driving force behind our success across the UK,' said Aldi UK and Ireland CEO Giles Hurley in a statement to STV News.

He added that the latest pay rise recognises the contributions of staff and underscores Aldi's ongoing commitment to leading supermarket wages nationwide.

Wage Hike Expected to Boost Consumer Confidence

Retail analysts suggest that increasing wages can help stimulate consumer spending, which benefits the broader economy.

Nick Wilkinson, former CEO of Dunelm, noted that pay increases above inflation enhance disposable income and support consumer confidence.

He pointed out that customers vastly outnumber staff, so higher wages indirectly support overall market demand.

Aldi's wage strategy not only supports employee wellbeing but may also contribute to greater consumer spending and market resilience.

Other Top-Paying Supermarkets in the UK

While Aldi leads, other UK supermarkets are also increasing wages to stay competitive. Tesco plans a minimum hourly rate of £12.64 by the end of August 2025, rising from £12.45 in March. Sainsbury's and Argos set their rates at £12.60 from August 2025 after previous increases.

Lidl also raised wages earlier in 2025 to £12.75, increasing to £13.65 with service length and £14 in London. Asda offers up to £13.82 within the M25 with plans for £12.60 nationally.

Aside from them, Co-op increased its minimum pay as well by over 10%, reaching £12.60 nationally and £13.85 in London. Marks and Spencer, Morrisons, and Waitrose also have wage increases ranging between £12 and £14, depending on location. Aldi's latest rise keeps it firmly on top of this pay race.

This move by Aldi sets a strong standard in the supermarket sector amid rising living costs and wage pressures. It sustains staff morale while strengthening consumer confidence for the retailer in an evolving UK market.