Lidl UK Adopts Living Wage

Key Highlights

Effective 1 October, Lidl UK will pay all employees a minimum of £8.20 per hour across England, Scotland and Wales, and £9.35 per hour in London. This represents an average wage increase of £1,200 per year, benefiting 53% of Lidl UK’s 17,000-strong workforce across all age brackets.

Understanding the Living Wage

The living wage is calculated by the Living Wage Foundation and reflects the basic cost of living in the UK. It differs from the national living wage introduced in the summer budget, which is a top-up to the minimum wage for those over 25.

Setting a New Standard in Retail

Lidl UK joins forward-thinking employers such as Oliver Bonas, Nationwide, KPMG and Aviva in adopting the living wage. This move marks a significant benchmark in the retail sector and challenges competitors in the supermarket sector to follow suit.

Voices of Endorsement

Rhys Moore, Director of the Living Wage Foundation, said he is “delighted” by Lidl’s decision. “Its announcement is a massive breakthrough in the living wage campaign, proving that paying staff a real living wage – calculated around the cost of living – is possible on the British high street. It sets a challenge to the rest of the UK supermarket sector, which has until now claimed that paying staff the living wage was not possible. Consumers can now genuinely make a living wage choice at the checkout.

“We look forward to working with Lidl towards accreditation with the Living Wage Foundation and together championing fair pay in the retail sector.”

Ronny Gottschlich, Lidl UK CEO, added: “We recognise that every employee forms an integral part of Lidl UK, and each individual’s contribution is valued. It’s only right that we show our commitment—mirroring the team’s dedication to the business and our customers—by ensuring a wage that supports the cost of living.

“As a result, Lidl employees will be among the best paid in the supermarket sector, and that’s something I feel incredibly proud about.”