The discount grocer said it would be increasing entry-level pay for staff from £9 an hour to £9.30 outside of London and from £10.55 to £10.75 an hour within the M25 – going up to £11.70 depending on location and length of service.

The supermarket chain said when the rises come into force in March, it will be paying between 13% and 30% higher than the government’s current National Living Wage threshold.

Lidl UK boss Christian Härtnagel said: “During this time of such uncertainty, we feel fortunate to be able to make this investment in our colleagues and give them peace of mind with regards to their salary.”