Many Morrisons staff in Sheffield to get a pay rise as they benefit from new salary deal

The retailer, which employs around 120,000 people across the UK, said it will be the first UK supermarket group to secure employees a £10 minimum when the pay deal starts in April.

In a statement, Morrisons said the new payment policy will result in a "significant" pay increase for nearly 96,000 staff members.

This means, most workers who move up to the new minimum hourly rate, which is subject to a ballot vote on January 27, will receive a 9 percent rise in their pay.

Currently, Morrisons has a minimum hourly pay rate of £9.20 per hour.

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It said the increase in hourly pay will be primarily funded by investment into payroll, but around a quarter of the increase will be funded by changes to its bonus pay-outs.

Staff previously told the company they would prefer to have a guaranteed amount in their hourly rate and receive it more regularly instead of the current bonus scheme.

David Potts, chief executive officer at Morrisons, said: “It’s great to be able to say that in the UK from April this year, if you work at Morrisons supermarkets, you will earn at least £10 an hour.

“It’s a symbolic and important milestone that represents another step in rewarding the incredibly important work that our colleagues do up and down the country.

“Over the last year we have seen renewed and widespread appreciation in the UK for our colleagues who have had an incredibly tough 2020, working tirelessly so Britain could eat well and shop safely throughout the pandemic.

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Joanne McGuinness, Usdaw national officer, said: “The new consolidated hourly rate is now the leading rate of the major supermarkets, which is paid every hour and removes the uncertainty of a bonus payment.

“It is a big step forward, shows that Morrisons is prepared to invest in the staff to help grow the business and I hope that the deal is supported by our members in the ballot.

“It’s been a tough time for food retail staff who have worked throughout the pandemic in difficult circumstances.”

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In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.