Lidl Northern Ireland has announced a £2.3 million investment in pay increases for more than 1,300 employees across the region, effective from 1 March. Store and warehouse staff will receive an hourly rate increase from £12.40 to £12.80.

The investment is part of a broader commitment, with the retailer having allocated more than £10.8 million to pay rises in Northern Ireland since 2022. This represents a cumulative 27.5% increase, averaging £6,500 in additional take-home pay per employee.

The latest uplift equates to an average 4% increase in employees' total rewards package, including a 3% salary rise averaging £930 annually per employee. The remainder supports benefits such as pension contributions, private healthcare, and personal insurance.

All Lidl Northern Ireland employees will benefit from the changes. The announcement aligns with the retailer's £150 million expansion plan over three years, which involves new stores and job creation.

Maeve McCleane, Chief People Officer for Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland, stated that the investment enhances salaries and total rewards amid economic challenges.

Lidl Northern Ireland was named Employer of the Year at the Business Eye Awards 2025 and certified as a Top Employer for 2026 by the Top Employers Institute for the sixth consecutive year.

The company has introduced benefits including paid maternity, paternity, fertility, and carers leave, removed the mandatory retirement age, and provides supports for miscarriage, domestic abuse, and family carers. Lidl also achieved Gold Level Menopause Workplace Excellence Accreditation from The Menopause Hub Academy.