The c-store specialist today announced its biggest increase in pay, up to £12 per hour, in line with the real living wage.

Co op fruit veg

The Co-op has upped staff pay by more than 20% in two years

The Co-op said the announcement was its “biggest ever investment in pay” and represented a more than 20% increase in the last two years for its frontline staff.

From April 1, Co-op staff will be paid £12 an hour, a 10.1% increase on last year and a 21% increase since March 2022. Team managers will receive a 10.1% increase to £13.32 an hour.

Matt Hood, managing director of Co-op Food, said: “Our store colleagues are the heart of our member-owned business and we truly value their dedication and hard work. We’re proud to continue to be aligned to the real living wage, which makes Co-op one of the top food retailers in terms of pay.

“Co-op continues to operate in challenging environments and volatile markets, some of which we have only recently stabilised. However, we believe this investment in our colleagues is of paramount importance to recognise their outstanding commitment to serving our Member-owners and shoppers in communities all across the UK.

“Additionally, we continue to offer a competitive package to all our colleagues compared to other retailers, including paid breaks, 30% own brand colleague discount and industry-leading leave policies.”