Top News

Primark is making a major change across all its stores that will come into effect in a few weeks' time. The budget fashion retailer, which has more than 190 stores across the nation, is introducing a new rule that will benefit its network of more than 27,000 UK employees.

Customer assistants in England, Scotland and Wales will see their pay rise to a minimum of £13 from April 1. For those in London, their rate will rise to £13.71. According to Primark, these new rates mean that, over three years, employees have seen their hourly pay rise by more than 15%.

In addition to the pay boost, employees will continue to benefit from a 15/5 year-round discount and improved maternity, paternity, adoption, and surrogacy benefits.

Primark UK retail director Kari Rodgers said: "As retail becomes a more demanding environment, our colleagues play an increasingly important role to support our customers and the local communities we're part of up and down the country.

"By investing in increasing colleague pay, we hope this goes some way towards recognising their hard work, commitment, and the value they bring every day."

The retailer added that the pay rise is part of "its continued investment in the UK" through new store openings and the transformation of existing stores, "to give customers more reasons to visit their local high street".

*** Ensure our latest news headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings. ***

Primark recently confirmed the opening date of its new 44,000-square-foot store in Epsom. The huge two-floor branch will open at the Ashley Centre on March 25.

Locals will be able to browse the latest fashion across womenswear, menswear, and kidswear, as well as a wide range of beauty items and homeware.

Will Greenland, assistant centre manager at the Ashley Centre, previously said: "Primark's arrival will not only bring a fantastic new retail offer to Epsom, but it will create new job opportunities, increase footfall, and further elevate the centre's role as a prime shopping destination in the community."