Primark introduces £13 rule in all UK stores from today

Primark has just introduced a new £13 rule across its UK stores in a boost for its workforce. From today (Wednesday, April 1) the low-cost fashion retailer has raised its average hourly pay rates to a minimum of £13 for all retail assistants across England, Scotland and Wales, and to £13.71 per hour in London.

The chain, which more than 190 branches across the country, says in addition to hourly rate changes, workers will also continue to benefit from a 15% year-round discount, in addition to other benefits. Kari Rodgers, UK retail director at Primark said: “As retail becomes a more demanding environment, our colleagues play an increasingly important role to support our customers and the local communities we’re part of up and down the country.

"By investing in increasing colleague pay, we hope this goes some way towards recognising their hard work, commitment and the value they bring every day.”

It comes as various retailers increase pay for shop assistants from today, as cost-of-living pressures continue to hit British households.

Store assistants working at Aldi's UK branches have had their pay raised to at least £13.50 per hour, with those working inside in the M25 getting £14.88.

Pay rates increase to £14.47 and £15.20 respectively based on length of service.

Aldi previously said the change would benefit 28,000 hourly-paid store workers, marking the second pay rise for Aldi teams in 2026 alone, after January's announcement of enhanced rates and extended maternity pay to 26 weeks at full pay.

The german grocery giant says the offering is higher than its competitors, though other major supermarket chains will also be upping pay for their workers from April 1.

Wednesday also sees the National Living Wage (for those 21 and over) rising to £12.71, while 18-20 year olds earning under the new National Minimum Wage have seen their hourly pay upped to £10.85.

Apprentices and under 18s will get a minimum of £8 per hour from today.