Morrisons has become the first supermarket in the UK to pay all employees at least £10 an hour.
From April, 92,000 employees will see their pay increased from £9.20 to at least £10.00 – this is 50p higher than the voluntary Living Wage Foundation rate.
David Potts, Morrisons’ chief executive, said the move was “symbolic and important milestone that represents another step in rewarding the incredibly important work that our colleagues do up and down the country”.
“Morrisons colleagues have earned their status as key workers, and this pay increase, many times over,” he added.
Currently, no UK supermarkets pay the Living Wage Foundation, despite 7,000 other companies paying the wage.
Joanne McGuinness, Usdaw national officer, said: “It is a big step forward and I hope that the deal is supported by our members.”
“They provide the essential service of keeping the nation fed and deserve our support, respect and appreciation. Most of all they deserve decent pay and this offer is a welcome boost.”
Morrisons will also pay a higher London weighting for employees based in the capital. In inner London, rates will be 85p and for outer London 60p per hour. This is up from 75p in inner London and 50p in outer London.
From March, Lidl employees will also see an increase in hourly wag from £9.30 to £9.50.
Lidl chief executive Christian Härtnagel commented: “It is only right that we increase the income for our colleagues who are the backbone of our business. This is about recognising their hard work and dedication in keeping the nation fed during a year like no other.”