Waitrose staff members are set to receive a 6.9 per cent increase in pay, with hourly pay rising to £13.25 UK-wide and £14.80 within the M25.

Partners with enhanced skills who are working within specialist roles will receive a raised rate of £14.31 per hour, which goes up to £15.98 within the M25.

From 1 April onwards, Waitrose colleagues working on the shop floor will earn an increased pay, which is equivalent to an additional £1,600 per year for a full-time staff member.

This move is part of a £108m investment in pay, which is part of the retailer’s commitment to backing partner benefits, including better wages.

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Helen Webb, chief people officer for the JLP, said: “Our partners are the heartbeat of our business. This £108m investment is about putting more money into their pockets month-in, month-out.

“This pay growth demonstrates a sustained commitment to partner pay, consistent with previous years. This ensures that the rewards for our Partners’ hard work are built into their monthly pay as we continue to invest in the future of the Partnership.”

The recent pay rise builds on an ongoing investment of nearly £300m within the past three years.

As well as increasing pay, the Waitrose staff is provided with a 12 per cent pension contribution, discounted rates to its network of hotels across the UK and up to £275 in funding towards subsidising personal development and leisure activities.

This follows a similar move by discounter Lidl earlier this month, which saw the entry-level hourly pay increased to £13.45 nationally.