Asda will increase the hourly wage rates of its employees over a three-phased investment totaling 80 million PS.
Around 115,000 employees in retail and express will receive a 4,7% increase over the course of three phases. Pay rates will rise for employees across the UK from PS12.04 up to PS12.21 by April, PS12.45 by July and PS12.60 by October.
The pay of employees in stores within the M25 will increase from PS13.21 in April to PS13.38, then to PS13.62 by July, and finally to PS13.82 by October. The union Usdaw agreed to the new rates.
Asda, since its acquisition by its shareholder group 2021, has invested over PS500 millions in retail pay, and increased its base hourly rate by 35% from PS9.36 up to PS12.60.
Asda also confirmed that it would introduce enhanced policies to support families for all its employees starting in July. This includes increasing maternity leave and adoption leave to 26 weeks, and doubling the paternity leave to four weeks with full contract pay.
The government has also implemented two new policies: 26 weeks paid leave for carers of other children who are kinship caregivers and 2 weeks paid leave for women who lose their pregnancy before 24 weeks.
Asda has also announced an increase of 15% in the staff discount.
Hayley Tatum said, “We are proud to have invested over PS500 million retail pay in the last four year.” Asda’s employees are the heart of its success. This latest investment in pay, along with an increased staff discount, and family-friendly policies, recognizes their important role in serving customers every day.
Jayne Allport is the national officer of Usdaw. She added, “We are happy to have achieved an increase above inflation and be able to match the real wage for our member in Asda Express Food services and Leon.
The cost of living is a major concern for many people, and the decision by businesses to act in a positive way is a welcome one. It is only fair that our members, who provide essential services, are paid a living wage.
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