Primark has rolled out a new minimum wage of £13 per hour for all retail assistants across its UK stores, effective from April 1. The pay rise applies to branches in England, Scotland, and Wales, with staff in London receiving £13.71 per hour. The retailer operates more than 190 stores nationwide.
Alongside the hourly rate increase, employees will continue to receive a 15% staff discount year-round and other benefits. Kari Rodgers, UK retail director at Primark, 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 move follows a trend among major retailers raising wages amid the cost-of-living crisis. Aldi, for instance, lifted pay for store assistants to at least £13.50 per hour, rising to £14.88 inside the M25, with higher rates for longer service. The German grocer confirmed the change would benefit 28,000 hourly-paid workers, marking its second pay rise in 2026.
The pay increases coincide with the National Living Wage rising to £12.71 for those aged 21 and over, while 18-20 year olds now receive £10.85 per hour, and apprentices and under-18s earn at least £8 per hour.
