Aldi has strengthened its position as the UK’s highest-paying supermarket, announcing pay rates that set a new benchmark for the grocery sector.
From 1st April 2026, Store Assistants will earn £13.50 per hour nationally and £14.88 inside the M25. These rates rise to £14.47 and £15.20 respectively based on length of service.
The increase will benefit over 28,000 hourly-paid store colleagues and represents the second pay rise for Aldi teams this year, following January’s announcement of enhanced rates and extended maternity pay to 26 weeks at full pay.
Combined, these moves represent a £42 million investment in colleague pay in 2026 alone, cementing Aldi’s commitment to being the sector’s pay leader.
The supermarket’s new rates exceed those of all other competitors.
Aldi is also the only major supermarket to offer paid breaks to all colleagues – a benefit worth approximately £1,500 per year to the average store colleague and demonstrating Aldi’s comprehensive approach to valuing its teams.
Giles Hurley, chief executive officer of Aldi UK and Ireland, said: “Our colleagues work incredibly hard to deliver exceptional value for our customers, and we’re rewarding that dedication with the highest pay in the sector.
“We’ve invested over £42 million in colleague pay this year because we know that every single member of Team Aldi is fundamental to our success and deserve nothing less.”
Aldi employs more than 45,000 colleagues across the UK and continues to expand rapidly, with plans to open 40 new stores in 2026 as part of a £370 million investment programme. The supermarket is investing an additional £300 million in upgrading and extending existing stores, reinforcing its position as one of Britain’s fastest-growing food retailers.
