Aldi’s 2p Rule – UK’s Only Supermarket to Launch New Policy Starting Today

Aldi has announced another pay rise for its UK store workers — and it officially kicked in from Monday, September 1. The budget supermarket chain, already known for its industry-leading wages, has boosted hourly pay again in a move that’s sure to shake up the competition.

Increase

Originally, Aldi revealed in July that it would raise store assistant wages from £12.75 to £13.00 an hour starting this month. But now, that number has quietly jumped again — to £13.02. It’s a small but symbolic 2p bump, ensuring Aldi stays at the top of the UK supermarket wage table.

More than 28,000 hourly paid store colleagues across the UK are benefiting from this unexpected increase. And those who’ve been with the company longer can earn even more — up to £13.95 an hour, depending on their length of service.

Comparison

Aldi’s move comes just after its rival Lidl made headlines for increasing its hourly pay to £13. Clearly, the wage war between discount retailers is still going strong. But Aldi wasn’t about to be outdone — and this latest raise keeps it a notch above the rest.

Here’s a quick comparison of Aldi’s current hourly pay rates:

Location	Starting Pay	With Service
UK (outside London)	£13.02	£13.95
London	£14.35	£14.66

Support

Aldi has long held the title of the UK’s highest-paying supermarket. This latest pay rise is the second one the company has introduced for store colleagues this year alone. It’s a clear message from the German grocer: they’re serious about staying on top and looking after their people.

But that’s not all. Aldi also remains the only UK supermarket that gives all colleagues paid breaks — a benefit worth around £1,425 per year for the average store worker. That extra perk often gets overlooked but makes a real difference in take-home pay.

Statement

Giles Hurley, Aldi UK and Ireland’s CEO, reaffirmed the company’s commitment in a statement: “Our colleagues are at the heart of our success, and we’re committed to ensuring they are fully rewarded for the outstanding work they do.”

He added that the pay rise, though higher than originally planned, is all part of Aldi’s “promise to never be beaten on pay.”

Response

Reactions to the increase have been largely positive. Workers welcomed the raise, especially given the rising cost of living across the UK. Supermarket employees are often the unsung heroes of retail — working long hours, weekends, and holidays. For them, every extra penny counts.

Meanwhile, other major chains like Asda, Morrisons, and Tesco may be under growing pressure to match or exceed Aldi’s new rates. If the wage race continues, store workers across the sector could see real gains by year’s end.

Impact

For shoppers, this likely won’t lead to a price hike. Aldi’s business model — focused on efficiency and simplicity — lets it keep prices low even while boosting wages. But for workers, this move is a big deal. A pay rise, paid breaks, and industry-leading conditions make Aldi one of the best places to work in the sector.

With nearly 1,000 stores in the UK and growing, Aldi is making it clear that it values the people who keep its shelves stocked and tills running. And in today’s economy, that kind of commitment isn’t just rare — it’s powerful.

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