Aldi store assistants are set to receive a better-than-expected pay rise next month as the discount grocer has increased rates further, a move it claims will make “Britain’s best-paying supermarket”.

From 1 March, hourly rates will increase to at least £12.75 nationally, rising to £13.66 based on length of service, and to at least £14.05 within the M25, rising to £14.35.

The new minimum rate exceeds the Real Living Wage set by the Living Wage Foundation in October last year.

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Aldi has also committed to a further pay increase for store colleagues from September 2025, taking its minimum rates of pay for store assistants to £12.85 per hour nationally and £14.16 per hour for those within the M25.

It continues to be the only supermarket to offer all colleagues paid breaks, which the grocer has said is worth around £1,370 a year for the average store colleague.

Aldi UK and Ireland chief executive Giles Hurley said: “This latest increase recognises the important contribution that our colleagues make day in, day out and ensures they are rewarded fully for their contribution with industry-leading pay.

“Every member of Team Aldi plays an important role in providing the best products, service and value to the millions of shoppers that visit our stores.”

Earlier this month, Lidl also unveiled plans to increase its pay to £12.75 per hour nationally from March.