Shop floor staff at Waitrose stores across the UK saw their hourly pay increased this month, in a major boost for the chain's employees. From April 1, their pay was boosted to at least £13.25 nationwide, with those working within the M25 getting £14.80 per hour.

Rates of pay will increase to £14.31 per hour for workers outside the M25 who "gain enhanced skills and take on specialist roles", increasing to £15.98 for London workers. Waitrose is operated by the employee-owned John Lewis Partnership, and shop-floor staff at its main brand, John Lewis, will also benefit from the pay rate change. The partnership says it represents a £108 million investment in its workforce and a 6.9%-pay increase for shop staff at both chains.

The pay increase outstrips the national minimum wage rise and translates to an extra £1,600 per year for a typical full-time Partner, it said.

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 also upped workers' pay in the past few weeks to keep and attract staff as cost-of-living pressures continue to bite.

Store assistants working at Aldi's UK branches have had their pay boosted to at least £13.50 per hour, with those working inside in the M25 getting £14.88. Pay rates increase to £14.47 and £15.20 respectively based on length of service.

The German grocery giant says it marked the second pay rise for Aldi teams in 2026 alone, after January's announcement of enhanced rates and extended maternity pay to 26 weeks at full pay.

Aldi says the offering is higher than its competitors, though other major chains including Lidl and Sainburys have also upped pay for their workers this year.