Tesco, Asda, Aldi and other supermarkets announce change for staff from April

More than a million people work in supermarkets up and down the UK, stocking shelves, scanning groceries, and making sure that each one of us is able to get the products that we want and when we want them. During the pandemic, these key workers kept the flour and toilet rolls coming, while many others were safe isolating at home.

With the National Minimum and Living Wages due to increase by an inflation-beating 10 per cent from April 1, representing the "largest ever" increase in low pay, many employers that pay workers close to the minimum rate are finding themselves having to offer larger pay increases. From next month the National Living Wage, for people over 21, will be £11.44.

One supermarket, usually known for its premium products, has only managed to increase how much it pays its staff by 11p more than the National Living Wage. While one known for its bargains has put its workers first and given them on an hourly wage roughly equivalent to making £24,180 per year.

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Supermarket work is renowned for being flexible and allowing people who might otherwise struggle to access the work force, such as parents and people with other part-time jobs, to find well-paid work. An increase in supermarket pay can be enough to bring thousands of employees, many of whom have young families, off the breadline.

1. Aldi - £12.40

Annual Gross (37.5hrs) - £24,180

Despite having a well-deserved reputation for delivering bargain prices on common groceries and cupboard fillers, German value supermarket Aldi is by far the highest-paying in its sector. It is the second pay rise for workers at Aldi this year, with the supermarket trying to maintain its lead as