// Asda faces pressure to increase staff pay after several retailers have revealed pay rises

// GMB Union has criticised the Big Four supermarket for being the “worst paying’ grocer

Asda is facing pressure to increase staff pay after several retailers have revealed pay rises to help support colleagues during the cost-of-living crisis.

GMB Union has criticised the Big Four supermarket for being the “worst paying’ grocer out of the four as “bosses need to wake up”.

The pressure comes after Tesco increased hourly-pay today for colleagues for the second time this year.

From 13 November, the basic hourly rate of pay in Tesco stores will increase by 20p to £10.30 (or £10.98 in London), making a total 8% increase in pay this year.

Tesco is also freezing prices on more than 1,000 products.

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Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Aldi have all increased wages recently to help workers cope with the cost-of-living crisis.

Basic pay for Asda retail workers remains at £10.10 per hour.

GMB said Asda has cancelled a driver premium payment which was meant to last until December, “leaving Asda delivery drivers at an industry low”.

“It should be a source of massive shame for Asda they are now the worst paying of the big four,” GMB national officer, Nadine Houghton said.

“Only last week Asda refused a meeting with GMB representatives to discuss the important issue of pay.

“While other companies are trying to protect hard-working employees from the cost of living crisis, Asda seems happy to sit back while its workers struggle.

“It’s time for Asda’s new owners to focus on investing in staff, instead of further debt leveraging Asda to expand their empire.”