Jayne Allport - Usdaw National Officer said: “We are pleased to have negotiated an above-inflation pay increase, which ensures that Co-op staff are on at least the Real Living Wage, despite lower inflation rates than last year and following on from previous significant pay increases. The cost of living continues to be a key concern for our members, so the business’ decision to respond in such a positive manner is a welcome one for our members.”
Paddy Lillis, Usdaw general secretary, said: “Usdaw has a longstanding and valued relationship with the Co-op and we welcome that the staff pay increase is in line with Real Living Wage rates. Our members are key workers in a business that delivers an essential service in our communities and it is only right they are fairly rewarded with a living wage.”
Kate McCrae, Co-op Operations Director, said: “Our store colleagues are at the very heart of the business and we are pleased to be able to provide a reward package that is competitive, above inflation and impactful. This deal reaffirms our ongoing commitment to the Real Living Wage, and ensures Co-op is among the highest food retailers in terms of pay.
“We are a growing business, focused on delivering convenience and value for our colleagues, members, customers and communities. We truly value the dedication and hard work of our store teams, and recognise their commitment to bringing to life our co-operative difference in towns, villages and cities all across the UK.”
Outside London, the rate of pay will increase in two steps, which is above inflation and rises from £12.00 to £12.30 per hour from 1 April, plus a further increase to £12.60 from 1 August 2025 (an overall increase in the hourly rate of pay of 5%). Team Leaders see pay increase from £13.32 to £13.65 on 1 April, and a further increase to £13.99 from 1 August (2025). For staff working in London, the hourly rate of pay will increase from £13.15 to £13.85 from 1 August 2025, with Team Leaders in London receiving an increase from £14.47 to £15.24 from 1 August.
Notes for editors:
Usdaw (Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) is one of the fastest growing unions in the TUC and the UK's fifth biggest trade union with around 360,000 members. Most Usdaw members work in the retail sector, but the union also has many members in transport, distribution, food manufacturing, chemical industry and other trades www.usdaw.org.uk
For Usdaw press releases visit: http://www.usdaw.org.uk/news and you can follow us on Bluesky @usdawunion.bsky.social and Twitter/X @UsdawUnion