Asda has revealed a pay increase for its entire workforce of 110,000 retail employees that exceeds the current rate of inflation.
The retailer confirmed that all hourly-paid workers classified as dedicated would receive a four per cent pay boost.
The increase will take effect across two phases, with the initial portion arriving as soon as next week on April 1 and the remaining portion coming on July 5.
Employees based beyond the M25 will see their hourly rate rise from £12.60 to £13.10 by the summer months, while those working within the M25 boundary will move from £13.82 to £14.35 per hour.
The Office for National Statistics reported the consumer price index inflation rate at 3.2 per cent for February, making Asda’s raise 0.8 per cent above this figure.
The supermarket described the announcement, which represents an £80 million commitment, as welcome news.
This development means hourly wages have grown by approximately 40 per cent since Asda was purchased by TDR Capital and the Issa brothers in 2021.
James Goodman, Chief People Officer at Asda, explained that colleagues working in stores form the foundation of the business and their contribution to serving customers is essential to the company’s recovery strategy focused on growth.
He conveyed satisfaction at being able to award staff with an increase that outpaces inflation and highlighted the investment being made.
He also expressed appreciation for their ongoing dedication to improving the supermarket daily.
Thousands of households across England, Wales and Northern Ireland may be failing to claim free food vouchers worth as much as £442.
Over 200,000 families have previously been alerted that they could be missing out on the Healthy Start initiative.
The NHS programme provides assistance to families with infants and expectant mothers who have limited incomes and receive qualifying benefits.
The vouchers can be spent on nutritious items including milk, baby formula, and fresh produce.
Those meeting the requirements could obtain weekly supplements of £4.25 or £8.50 depending on their child’s age.
Applications can be submitted by email or telephone if the applicant is at least ten weeks pregnant, or has at least one child under four years old, and receives Income Support, Universal Credit, or Working Tax Credit run-on payments, provided they do not receive Child Tax Credit, or Pension Credit which includes a child addition.
Applications by email or telephone are also available if the applicant is at least ten weeks pregnant and either under 18 with no benefits, receiving Child Tax Credit without Working Tax Credit where the family’s annual income is £16,190 or less, or receiving income-related Employment and Support Allowance.