Currys employees in the UK are set to receive their fourth pay rise in 18 months effective from 1 April, the technology retailer has announced.
Nearly 10,000 staff members will see their minimum rate to rise from £10.50 an hour nationally and to £11.50 an hour in the capital. This equates to a 17% increase since October 2021.
Paula Coughlan, chief people, communications and sustainability officer at Currys, said: “We know that investing in our colleagues is the most important thing we can do, especially with the continued cost-of-living crisis. This latest increase means that we are one of the highest paying retailers in the UK.
“I am really proud that we can continue to show our support for our amazing capable and committed colleagues, who are our magic ingredient, and at the heart of everything we do. We know that happy colleagues make for happy customers and happy shareholders too.”
According to Currys, the average employee hourly bonus is 89p, rising to £3 for its top earners, which considerably boosts staff take-home pay. Including bonuses, the average worker therefore earns an hourly rate of £11.39.
In addition to the minimum rises, employees have the chance to increase their wage rates further by passing a six-month onboarding and skills development programme, where they can take part in a series of interactive training sessions and workshops. If successful, store staff pay will rise to £10.80 nationally and £11.80 in London.
The programme additionally “allows new store colleagues to build confidence and competence through a host of skills that will not only support their time with the retailer, but are also transferable, supporting lifelong employability for the individual and playing an important role in seeding critical skills into the UK economy”, according to the retailer.
Along with the new pay policies, Currys offers a range of employee benefits and policies including an uncapped bonus potential, extensive wellbeing support, 10% staff discounts on selected products and 20% off care and repair services, a Perks at Work grocery shopping discount service, financial wellbeing guides and tools, crisis loans for those facing hardship and an employee assistance programme.
