Primark is increasing hourly pay for 27,000 retail workers in the UK from April 1st.
The Irish textile discounter’s retail employees in England, Scotland and Wales will benefit from an average wage increase of 9.1 percent from next month, Primark announced on Monday. The hourly wage for all employees nationwide will be 11 British pounds (around 12.90). euros) will rise to 12 pounds (about 14.10 euros), and in London this rate will rise from 11.51 pounds (13.51 euros) to 12.56 (14.72 euros) pounds in 2023. The hourly wage of a Primark retail employee has increased by more than 20 percent on average over the last two years.
“Our colleagues do an outstanding job serving our customers every day and we want everyone to be rewarded and recognized fairly for their hard work,” said Kari Rodgers, Primark UK Retail Director. “We hope that with this raise we can show our gratitude for all they do in our stores and for our customers.”
The rate increases apply to hourly paid retail assistants after it was revealed last year that the retailer wanted to abolish age-based rates for under-23s.
In addition to the new changes to hourly rates, Primark employees will continue to benefit from a 15 per cent year-round discount and a range of other benefits.
Primark continues to invest in wages and the British high street
Back in February, the company announced it would invest more than £100 million in its UK stores this year to celebrate Primark’s 50th anniversary.
The plan is to open three new branches later this year, starting with the recent opening in Bury St Edmunds, followed by Teesside Park and Glasgow Fort later this year. There are also two major branch expansions to be completed in Westfield Stratford, London and the Metrocentre in Gateshead, Tyneside, as well as a further 16 planned branch refurbishments as part of the ongoing regeneration program.
As part of these changes, Primark will create more than 700 new jobs by 2024. Primark also confirmed new stores opening in Epsom and Newbury in 2025.
This article originally appeared on FashionUnited.uk. Translated and edited by Heide Halama.