Aldi’s New 2p Rule Boosts Pay for Over 28,000 UK Workers

Aldi has announced a significant pay increase for its UK store assistants, effective from September 1, 2025. Under a new initiative known as the ‘2p rule’, the discount supermarket will raise its minimum hourly wage to £13.02 (approximately $16.80), marking a 2p increase from its previously announced rate. This adjustment positions Aldi as the highest-paying supermarket in the UK, surpassing Lidl’s new minimum wage of £13 (approximately $16.77).

Understanding the 2p Rule

The ‘2p rule’ represents Aldi’s strategy to remain competitive in the retail sector by marginally increasing its wage offering. Initially, Aldi had planned to raise pay from £12.75 (approximately $16.45) to £13.00 (approximately $16.77). However, in a strategic move, the company decided to add an extra 2p, ensuring that its minimum wage remains ahead of its competitors. This proactive approach guarantees that with length of service, employees can see their pay rise to £13.95 (approximately $18.02), and for staff in London, wages can reach up to £14.66 (approximately $18.94).

This adjustment not only reflects Aldi’s commitment to competitive compensation but also aligns with its internal policy of not being outpaced by competitors on pay.

Who Will Benefit from the Increase?

The pay increase directly impacts over 28,000 hourly-paid store assistants across the UK. These employees will start receiving the revised wage from September 1, 2025. Additionally, those working in London will see a new starting wage of £14.35 (approximately $18.55) per hour, which can also rise based on tenure. Importantly, Aldi remains the only supermarket in the UK that offers fully paid breaks, a benefit valued at approximately £1,425 (around $1,841) annually for full-time employees.

Aldi’s commitment to its workforce is evident in its approach to remuneration, with CEO Giles Hurley emphasizing that the company’s success is rooted in the contributions of its staff. The pay increase is a testament to this philosophy.

Aldi’s decision comes at a time when supermarkets are competing fiercely to attract and retain talent, especially amid ongoing labour shortages and rising living costs. By positioning itself as the leading employer in the sector, Aldi is setting a benchmark for wages in the retail industry.

In addition to the pay increase, Aldi is actively recruiting for both full-time and part-time positions across its UK stores. This recruitment drive coincides with the company’s expansion plan, which includes the opening of 23 new stores and refurbishing 35 existing supermarkets. The total investment in Aldi’s UK portfolio amounts to £650 million (approximately $840 million), underscoring the company’s growth ambitions.

As the new wage structure takes effect, Aldi not only enhances its appeal as an employer but also sets the stage for potential wage competition among retailers as the year progresses. The ‘2p rule’ may appear subtle, but it reinforces Aldi’s broader strategy to maintain a competitive edge in the retail landscape.