Primark has announced effective April 1 2024, approximately 27,000 Primark employees will benefit from a pay rise of 9% in the United Kingdom. This decision is made against a backdrop of rising wages across the retail sector, with companies like Walmart and Sainsbury's also investing in higher pay for their staff.
Primark's latest pay rise means that retail assistants in England, Scotland, and Wales will see their hourly pay rise to £12.00, while their London-based counterparts will enjoy an increase to £12.56. This substantial wage uplift follows a trend within the company, as Primark employees have experienced an hourly rate pay increase of over 20% on average over the last two years.
The rationale behind this generous pay hike is rooted in the company's recognition of its colleagues' hard work and dedication. Kari Rodgers, Primark UK retail director, said in a statement, “We’ve changed a lot in the fifty years since we opened the doors on our first store in Great Britain in Derby back in 1974, but at our heart, we are still the same. We’re as committed as ever to offering the very best value on the high street and making great fashion more affordable and accessible for everyone. This latest investment will mean bigger and better stores, hundreds of new jobs across the country and shows our ongoing commitment to the UK high street.”
Primark's commitment to competitive pay aligns with broader compensation trends in the retail industry. Retail organizations are planning for 2024 with a focus on attracting and retaining talent through sophisticated data-based applications in their strategic total rewards practices and policies.
