Asda to increase basic hourly rate in return for more flexible hours
Asda is planning to move all its hourly-paid retail staff in England, Scotland and Wales to a new, standardised contract as it looks to streamline its existing six different contract types into one.
The supermarket said the plans will mean that all retail staff will be given an increase in their basic hourly rate to £9 per hour, while keeping existing benefits such as the annual bonus, staff discount, sharesave scheme and pension.
In return, staff could be asked to work more flexible hours and in different departments in-store, and also give up paid breaks.
The move follows Asda introducing a new higher staff pay rate contract in 2017 that offered an increased pay rate of £8.50 per hour in return for more flexibility. The retailer said over 50,000 retail staff are already employed on this contract.
Asda’s senior vice president for operations Anthony Hemmerdinger said: “As our customers continue to change the way they shop with us, we also have to be prepared to change to meet their needs and a key part of delivering great service is having the right colleagues in the right place at the right time, which is what this contract aims to achieve.
“This proposal is also about increasing our basic rate of pay and aligning the way of working in our stores so that everyone has the same contract, making it fairer to all colleagues and ensuring we can consistently provide the best service to customers.”
Asda has embarked on a collective consultation process with staff on the proposals. If taken forward, they are expected to take effect in late 2019.
