Asda launches new staff benefits as it confirms pay rise
The raised pay rates represent an 8.4% increase in pay and a total investment of £150m in pay this year, making Asda the highest-paying traditional supermarket
Asda has launched two new benefits for staff and confirmed that its proposal to raise retail pay rates to £12.04 per hour has been accepted by employees.
The benefits include Care Concierge, which is managed by Legal and General and offers expert assistance in later-life care for loved ones, while another benefit from the Mortgage Advice Bureau will provide “comprehensive” guidance for employees navigating property purchase or remortgaging.
These latest benefits join a pack of existing resources available to staff, including “round-the-clock” access to a private GP service, unlimited mental health support and flexible wage services through Wagestream.
Asda also confirmed that its proposal to increase hourly pay for all store-based workers from £11.11 to £12.04 has been accepted following a ballot by Usdaw members. This represents an 8.4% increase in pay and a total investment of £150m in pay this year, making Asda the highest-paying traditional supermarket.
The rates will initially increase from £11.11 to £11.44 on 1 April to meet National Minimum Wage requirements, followed by a further rise to £12.04 on 1 July. Rates for those working at stores inside the M25 will rise to £13.21 per hour.
Hayley Tatum, chief people and corporate affairs officer at Asda, said: “We have made a record investment in pay this year to recognise the great work our colleagues do serving customers every day and we are delighted that our proposal has been accepted.
“We also understand that supporting our colleagues goes beyond pay and the workplace, which is why we continue to explore new benefits for colleagues to provide support for their and their families health and wellbeing.”
Rita Butler-Jones, head of Defined Contribution (DC) at Legal and General, added: “We are pleased to be working with Asda to support their employees through our Care Concierge service. We know that finding and funding later life care can be a daunting and stressful task – especially when balanced with work and family commitments.
“Care Concierge provides practical and emotional support to help people make informed decisions about the best care options for themselves or their loved ones. We believe this is a valuable benefit that can make a real difference to the wellbeing of Asda’s colleagues.”
Sean Coleman, senior mortgage and protection adviser at the Mortgage Advice Bureau, concluded: “We are extremely proud to be able to offer all Asda colleagues access to our completely free service, with what is usually the largest financial commitment they ever make. Providing expert, unbiased advice, can help navigate what can be a very complex and crowded marketplace.”
