Aldi is set to become the first supermarket to pay its store assistants at least £13 an hour as it boosts pay for the second time this year.

The German discounter, already the highest-paying in the UK, will increase its minimum hourly rate to £14.33 for those working within the M25 from 1st September 2025.

The increase is on top of an earlier pay rise in March, which saw store colleagues paid a minimum of £12.75 an hour nationwide, and £14.05 an hour within the M25.

Aldi said that depending on the length of service, shop workers will see their hourly rates rise to £13.93 nationally and £14.64 within the M25.

The supermarket, known for its commitment to treating staff well, remains the only retailer in the sector to offer paid breaks, which is estimated to provide an additional £1,385 per year for the average store colleague.

Aldi UK and Ireland chief executive Giles Hurley said: “Our people are the driving force behind our success across the UK.

“This latest investment in pay is a reflection of their hard work and the incredible contribution they make every single day. We’re proud to remain the UK’s highest-paying supermarket and will continue to support our colleagues in every way we can.”

The news comes as Aldi is investing £7.7m into its on-site renewable energy programme, which includes the roll out of solar panels to 90 more of its UK stores.

The retailer is installing advanced 144 kWp solar systems across 41 shops before the end of the year, with an additional 49 stores set to receive the technology in 2026.

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