Lidl Northern Ireland has announced that it will be increasing the wages of more than 24% of employees matching the Living Wage Foundation’s recommendation on new rates based on the real costs of living in Northern Ireland.
As part of the supermarket’s ongoing commitment to its employees, Lidl Northern Ireland will be taking the voluntary step to increase the pay of hourly paid employees, including entry level wages which will increase from £8.45 to £8.75 per hour. The move will come into effect from 1st March 2018 and will directly benefit 24% of staff - all other staff working for Lidl in Northern Ireland already earn in excess of the Living Wage.
Currently employees who commence working with Lidl at Customer Assistant level in 38 stores across Northern Ireland start on £8.45 per hour (plus supplements). From 1st March 2018 all Customer Assistants will earn a minimum of £8.75 per hour.
The commitment to paying the Living Wage is part of a number of initiatives Lidl has introduced in recent years to build a better workplace for all its employees and share with the entire team the success the retailer is enjoying as it continues to grow market share in Northern Ireland. A similar commitment is also made to employees in Lidl Ireland, using the guideline Living Wage set out by the Living Wage Technical Group.
John Paul Scally, Managing Director at Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland said; “At Lidl we are in a fortunate position that the last few years have seen our business go from strength to strength in Northern Ireland. Key to this success has been the dedication and commitment shown by our teams and I’m incredibly proud to show our commitment to them by increasing wages and ensuring that salaries support the cost of living.
Before today’s announcement Lidl paid market leading rates so the commitment will ensure we continue to be a leading employer in the retail sector. But it’s not just the hourly rate that makes Lidl an attractive place to work. We also have a range of benefits such as overtime and Sunday supplements, paid maternity and paternity leave and fantastic opportunities for career progression.”
Lidl Northern Ireland currently employs over 900 staff across stores and a distribution centre based in Nutts Corner and continues to add to its workforce with every new store it opens. With 38 stores located across every major town in Northern Ireland Lidl continues to grow and attract new customers on a weekly basis. According to figures released by Kantar Worldpanel Lidl is the fastest growing retailer in Northern Ireland with growth of 7.2% year on year reported in September 2017.
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