Lidl has once again demonstrated its commitment to fair pay by implementing its fifth pay rise in two years, with the latest increase effective from September 2025.
Entry-level staff now earn £13.00 per hour nationally and £14.35 in London, with higher rates for long-serving employees. While no 2026 pay rise has been officially announced yet, expectations are high based on industry trends and Lidl’s past actions.
Key points covered in this article:
- Latest Lidl UK pay rise figures (March and September 2025)
- Comparison with Aldi, Sainsbury’s, and Tesco
- International pay updates in Ireland and Portugal
- Employee feedback and expectations for 2026
- Insights from professionals and my personal analysis
- Role-based pay breakdowns and benefits offered by Lidl
- Forecast for Lidl’s next possible wage review in 2026
What Are the Most Recent Pay Rises at Lidl UK?
Lidl has become a focal point in UK retail, not only for its competitive pricing but also for its employee compensation structure. One of the standout developments over the past two years has been the retailer’s consistent approach to increasing pay.
The most recent significant adjustment took effect on 1 September 2025. This pay review marked Lidl GB’s fifth wage increase since 2023. The change affected hourly-paid colleagues across its UK network, including store assistants, warehouse workers, and logistics teams.
September 2025 Pay Rise – Fifth in Two Years
Lidl announced new hourly rates for its store and warehouse staff. This included both base entry-level pay and upper-tier rates for employees with longer service.
Below is a breakdown of the current pay rates that began from September 2025:
| National (UK) | £13.00 | £13.95 |
|---|---|---|
| London (within M25) | £14.35 | £14.65 |
This made Lidl one of the few national retailers to ensure that all store and warehouse staff earn above both the UK’s Real Living Wage and the London Living Wage.
In my own experience reporting on UK supermarket wage trends, few retailers have consistently outperformed the Real Living Wage benchmarks year after year like Lidl. It shows a sustained commitment rather than a short-term PR push.
A former HR consultant who has worked with multiple grocery brands shared with me that,
“Lidl’s steady wage growth is very deliberate. They’re filling the recruitment gap left by other chains that have struggled to retain entry-level staff due to stagnant wages. It’s both strategic and necessary.”
This strategy appears to be paying off. Lidl continues to attract frontline workers with relatively low turnover, especially when compared to some of its larger UK competitors.
March 2025 Pay Rise – Early Adjustment for Hourly Workers
Before the September update, Lidl had already implemented a notable pay rise in March 2025. This impacted approximately 28,000 hourly-paid employees and was part of a broader plan to stay ahead of inflation and sector benchmarks.
The pay changes announced in March were as follows:
| Region | Previous Pay | New Pay (March 2025) | Max Pay with Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| National (UK) | £12.40 | £12.75 | ~£13.65 |
| London | £13.55 | ~£14.00 | ~£14.35 |
This dual approach, one raise early in the year followed by a second, larger update later, suggests a proactive model that not only responds to economic shifts but also keeps Lidl competitive in the retail labour market.
How Has Lidl Increased Pay in Other Countries (2025–2026)?
Lidl’s approach to pay isn’t limited to its UK workforce. Across Europe, the supermarket chain has shown a clear trend of increasing wages in response to local economic conditions and rising living costs.
The variations in how each country structures compensation reflect regional labour markets, but the trend is undeniably upward.
Lidl Ireland Pay Changes (March 2025)
In Ireland, Lidl rolled out its own pay adjustment in March 2025. This was a high-profile move because it raised base pay above the national living wage and followed a sustained multi-year rise.
The March 2025 pay rates in Ireland were as follows:
| Pay Category | Rate |
|---|---|
| Minimum Wage | €15.10/hour |
| Top Pay Rate | €17.40/hour |
Lidl Ireland reported that the total increase in staff pay between 2022 and 2025 amounted to 23.5%. They invested €8 million to make this happen, showcasing how serious they are about not only meeting minimum wage thresholds but exceeding them significantly.
The investment wasn’t just financial; it had strategic importance. By paying better than rivals, Lidl Ireland was able to stabilise its workforce, reduce turnover, and attract talent from both retail and hospitality sectors.
Lidl Portugal Pay Rise (January 2026)
Lidl Portugal followed with its own wage revision in early 2026. While the figures may appear lower compared to Ireland or the UK due to regional wage norms, the percentage increase tells a significant story.
From January 2026, Lidl Portugal increased the starting monthly salary for store and warehouse workers:
| Role | Old Pay (2025) | New Pay (2026) | % Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Store/Warehouse Operators | €900/month | €1,000/month | 11% |
When additional allowances such as meal vouchers and transport subsidies are included, the total compensation exceeds €1,200/month.
This move followed years of wage stagnation in Portuguese retail and positioned Lidl as one of the more progressive employers in the market.
What Do We Know About Lidl’s 2026 Pay Rise Outlook in the UK?
One of the biggest questions on employees’ minds is whether Lidl GB will implement another pay rise during 2026.
As of now (January 2026), there has been no formal announcement about new wage changes beyond those made in September 2025.
This silence, however, isn’t necessarily cause for concern. Lidl has historically announced its pay adjustments during Q1 or Q3, often aligning with fiscal cycles, competitor movements, or changes to the National Minimum Wage.
While there’s no confirmation, the sector is shifting. Competitors like Aldi and Sainsbury’s have already announced increases for their staff. This places pressure on Lidl to remain at the front of the market.
One wage advisor I interviewed recently said,
“Lidl plays the timing game smartly. They let the competition reveal their hands first and then respond with a slightly better offer. It’s calculated but effective.”
From my side, I believe we’ll likely see a new pay announcement by mid-2026. Given Lidl’s track record, it’s reasonable to expect a bump in pay rates, especially if inflation trends continue to stretch workers’ budgets.
How Do Lidl Pay Rates Compare with Other UK Supermarkets in 2026?
Understanding Lidl’s position in the competitive landscape is key for both jobseekers and analysts. Despite its smaller store format compared to Tesco or Asda, Lidl consistently ranks among the top-paying employers in UK retail.
Here’s how Lidl’s pay compares as of January 2026:
| Supermarket | Entry-Level Pay (National) | Entry-Level Pay (London) |
|---|---|---|
| Lidl | £13.00 | £14.35 |
| Aldi | £13.55 | £14.90 |
| Sainsbury’s | £12.50 | £13.65 |
| Tesco | £12.02 | ~£13.00 |
Only Aldi currently offers higher entry-level pay than Lidl. However, Lidl often surpasses its peers when it comes to long-service increases and retention bonuses.
What makes Lidl particularly attractive is the predictability of its wage increases. Employees know that after a defined service period, they can expect higher pay. This certainty is something many competitors lack.
Some additional areas where Lidl is often rated higher than its competitors:
- Internal progression structure
- Transparency in wage bands
- Clarity on performance expectations
All of these factors contribute to Lidl’s growing reputation as a sustainable place to build a retail career.
What Are Employees Saying About Lidl Pay in 2026?
Real-world feedback is an essential part of evaluating any employer. Online employee reviews, social media posts, and internal discussion forums offer insights into how Lidl’s wage strategy is perceived on the ground.
Many current employees are expressing satisfaction with the existing pay levels. Staff particularly appreciate that wages have consistently increased over the past two years, outpacing some of their competitors.
However, not all feedback is uniformly positive. There is some concern around the lack of a 2026 pay confirmation, which some interpret as a delay in recognising rising living costs.
Here are a few paraphrased sentiments from Lidl staff discussions:
-
“It’s great we got two increases last year, but it’s now 2026, and there’s nothing new yet.”
-
“I’m hopeful there’ll be another rise soon, especially with Aldi announcing theirs already.”
-
“We need a pay rise, yes, but also better communication. Not knowing what’s coming is tough.”
It’s important to note that none of these concerns is tied to official policy. They reflect uncertainty, not dissatisfaction with current wages. Still, it highlights the importance of timely internal updates and staff engagement.
How Competitive Are Lidl’s Pay Packages and Employee Benefits in 2026?
Wages are only one part of the employment equation. Lidl also offers a broader package of financial and lifestyle benefits designed to attract and retain staff.
Bonus Schemes and Allowances
Lidl employees receive several non-wage benefits that contribute to overall compensation.
These include:
- 10% staff discount on Lidl purchases
- Enhanced holiday entitlement, increasing with years of service
- Enhanced parental leave
- Above-minimum pension contributions
- Training and development programmes
These benefits help make up a total reward strategy that keeps employees engaged beyond just their hourly rate.
Role-Based Wage Variations
Lidl’s internal pay bands vary depending on experience, department, and responsibilities. This helps differentiate the pay structure and allows employees to aim for higher earning roles.
| Role | Typical Hourly Rate / Salary (2026) |
|---|---|
| Store Assistant (entry) | £13.00–£13.95/hour |
| Warehouse Operative | £13.95–£15.20/hour |
| Shift Leader | Up to £16.00/hour |
| Deputy Store Manager | £28,000–£34,000/year |
| Store Manager | £48,000–£62,000/year |
These figures are approximate and may vary by region, store size, and performance. However, the ranges show that Lidl provides a clear pathway to higher earnings through internal promotions.
Conclusion
Lidl’s consistent pay rises over the past two years position it as a leading employer in the UK retail sector. While a 2026 update hasn’t been confirmed, the company’s track record suggests a continued commitment to competitive wages.
From national increases to international adjustments, Lidl is clearly responding to rising living costs and industry expectations.
As retail evolves, Lidl’s wage strategy remains one to watch, especially for employees seeking both stability and fair compensation in a competitive job market.
FAQs About Lidl Pay Rise and 2026 Wage Forecasts
Is Lidl planning another pay rise in 2026?
As of January 2026, there is no confirmed announcement, but based on past trends, an update is likely by mid-2026.
How much is Lidl hourly pay in the UK in 2026?
Currently, Lidl UK pays £13.00/hour nationally and £14.35/hour in London, with increases based on service length.
How does Lidl pay compare to Aldi’s?
Aldi currently offers slightly higher entry pay at £13.55 nationally. However, Lidl offers competitive long-term benefits and progression opportunities.
Are Lidl wages higher than the UK minimum wage?
Yes, Lidl’s wages are well above the current National Minimum Wage and even above the Real Living Wage benchmarks.
Does Lidl offer bonuses or extra allowances?
Yes, Lidl provides bonuses, staff discounts, enhanced holiday entitlement, and other benefits depending on role and tenure.
What do Lidl warehouse workers earn?
Warehouse operatives typically earn between £13.95 and £15.20/hour, depending on experience and region.
Will Lidl adjust pay if inflation rises in 2026?
While not confirmed, past behaviour suggests Lidl reviews wages in response to inflation and cost-of-living pressures.
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