Lidl has become the first major nationwide employer to commit to paying the Living Wage of €11.50 per hour, a move that will benefit the 20% of its staff currently earning below this rate.
The new rate is set to be introduced from November 1st 2015, and is 30% higher than the current minimum wage of €8.65.
Lidl store assistants and warehouse operatives currently start on €10.50 per hour. From November, not only will all staff earn the minimum €11:50, but this should rise to €13.00 per hour incrementally within two years.
Lidl says that this commitment to the Living Wage, which is an independently assessed rate of income considered necessary to have a socially acceptable standard of living, is part of a number of initiatives it has recently introduced to build a better workplace for its employees.
Managing Director of Lidl Ireland, John Paul Scally announced the commitment to the Living Wage at Lidl’s Terenure Store, saying, “We are delighted to be the first major nationwide employer to champion the Living Wage in Ireland. While this move will require an investment on our part, we also want to reassure our one million-plus weekly customers that it will not lead to price increases.
“Customers can remain confident that they will still get the highest quality products cheaper than our competitors.”
Meanwhile, Minister for Business and Employment Ged Nash said: “I am delighted that an employer of the scale and nationwide reach of Lidl has pledged to introduce the Living Wage from the 1st of November. Research in other countries tells us that where the living wage rate is paid, employees, businesses and the State benefits."
A similar commitment is also being made to employees in Lidl Northern Ireland, using the sterling benchmarked Living Wage.
© 2015 - Checkout Magazine by Jenny Whelan.
