Marks & Spencer has announced that it will raise the minimum hourly wage for its shop assistants to £13.41 starting in April, positioning itself as one of the top-paying retailers in the UK, alongside Aldi and Lidl. This decision reflects a broader trend among retailers who are responding to economic challenges and increasing living costs for workers. By making this change, M&S aims to attract and retain staff during difficult financial times.

The increase represents a 6.4% boost to the wages of approximately 55,000 shop floor employees, which translates to an additional £132 per month or a total of £1,587 added to their annual earnings compared to 2025. This pay rise is characterized by M&S as an