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Currys introduced a new £13.01 rule across its UK stores at the end of last month in a boost for its shop workers. The electrical retailer and aftercare service provider bumped up the minimum pay rate for skilled hourly paid store colleagues to £13.01 per hour from March 29.

Meanwhile, the rate for workers in London rose to £14.26. Including bonus, it will increase average hourly earnings to £13.93 and £15.18 respectively, Currys said. According to the chain, the new rates represent a 4% yearly uplift, and take their cumulative increase in hourly pay to 37% since 2022.

The London-based omnichannel retailer says the rates sit above the National Living Wage of £12.71 for over-21s which came into effect at the start of this month, and benefits around 7,800 workers across its 280 UK stores.

Announcing the new rates, the Currys said it also provides colleagues with "a wide range of benefits, including a 10% colleague discount, pensions, flexible benefits, share plans, and health and wellbeing support".

Paula Coughlan, Currys' Chief People, Communications and Sustainability Officer, said at the time: "I'm incredibly proud that we've now increased colleague pay by 37% since 2022.

"That sustained investment reflects a simple truth: our colleagues are central to everything Currys achieves. When we invest in our people, we see the impact right across the business - from record levels of colleague engagement to brilliant customer experiences and strong financial performance.

"That virtuous circle allows us to keep reinvesting in the colleagues who make it all possible."

It comes as various retailers increased pay for shop assistants from the start of April, as British households contend with growing cost-of-living pressures.

Store assistants working at Aldi's UK branches have had their pay boosted to at least £13.50 per hour, with those working inside in the M25 getting £14.88. Pay rates increase to £14.47 and £15.20 respectively based on length of service.

The German grocery giant says it marked the second pay rise for Aldi teams in 2026 alone, after January's announcement of enhanced rates and extended maternity pay to 26 weeks at full pay.

Aldi says the offering is higher than its competitors, though other major chains also upped pay for their workers from April 1.