Primark is introducing a new £13 rule across its more than 190 UK stores in a boost for its staff. From April 1, the low-cost fashion retailer will raise its average hourly pay rates to a minimum of £13.00 for all retail assistants across England, Scotland and Wales, and to £13.71 per hour in London.

Primark says in addition to hourly rate changes, workers will also continue to benefit from a 15% year-round discount, as well as other benefits. Kari Rodgers, UK retail director at the chain, 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.”

It comes as various retailers increase pay for shop assistants next month, as cost-of-living pressures continue to bite.

From April 1, store assistants working at Aldi’s UK branches will see their pay raised to at least £13.50 per hour, with those working inside in the M25 getting £14.88.

Pay rates will increase to £14.47 and £15.20 respectively based on length of service.

Aldi says the change will benefit 28,000 hourly-paid store workers, marking 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 it’s offering is higher than it’s competitors, though other major supermarket chains will also be upping pay for their workers from April 1.

From next month, the National Living Wage (for those 21 and over) will rise to £12.71, while 18-20 year olds earning under the new National Minimum Wage will see their hourly pay upped to £10.85.

Apprentices and under 18s will get a minimum of £8 per hour.