The union representing Asda employees has claimed that the supermarket chain is forcing nearly 150,000 retail workers to accept pay “well below the industry average”.

According to GMB, this week Asda imposed a below inflation pay increase of 3.25 per cent on workers, which means they will earn £9.66 per hour from April.

The union said that most other supermarkets pay over £10 an hour for retail staff.

Last month, Sainsbury’s announced it would be investing £100 million to boost store employee pay from £9.50 to £10 an hour.

Starting this month, all of Aldi’s store workers will be paid £10.10 an hour nationally and £11.55 within the M25.

“Asda bosses are forcing retail workers to accept pay well below the industry average,” said Nadine Houghton, GMB national officer. “Most other supermarkets pay more than £10 an hour - Asda workers are looking at just £9.66 from April.

"The worst cost of living crisis in decades has seen them forced to use payday lenders and foodbanks while their mental health suffers.

“Asda bosses should do better by their hardworking staff who kept the country fed throughout the pandemic.”

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