Overview
- From 1 April 2026, around 55,000 UK customer assistants at M&S will receive a minimum £13.41 per hour, with the London rate set at £14.74.
- The rise equates to an extra £132 per month or £1,587 per year compared with 2025, according to the company.
- M&S describes the increase as inflation‑beating, noting January CPI at 3.0% versus a 6.4% pay uplift.
- Local reports say the move positions M&S as the third highest‑paying major retailer behind Aldi and Lidl, as competitors also set base rates above £13.
- M&S links the pay award to its ‘reshaping for growth’ plan, citing over £350m invested in pay over four years and ongoing Food estate expansion targeting 500 potential sites by 2028, alongside benefits such as a 20% discount, Sharesave and up to 12% pension contributions.