SUPERMARKET Aldi is giving its workers a pay rise for the second time this year, maintaining its title as the UK's best-paying supermarket.

With the cost of living crisis meaning that more and more working people are feeling the strain of soaring energy bills, fuel prices and inflation outstripping wages, the retailer has announced that all hourly paid colleagues at its Cheshire stores will receive a 40p-per-hour increase from September.

This bring the minimum pay rates for store assistants to a sector-leading £10.50 an hour nationally and £11.95 for those inside the M25.

However, on a typical 35 hour week this would equate to just under £16,700 a year (after income tax) and with prices continuing to rise, it is unclear as to whether even this sum - from the UK's best paying supermarket - will be enough.

Aldi also remains the only supermarket to offer paid breaks, which they say is worth around £830 a year to the average store worker.

The new figures exceed the Living Wage Foundation's recommended real living wage (calculated in November 2021) of £9.90 an hour nationally and £11.05 within London areas.

Giles Hurley, Chief Executive Officer of Aldi UK and Ireland, said: "Our new rates of pay maintain Aldi’s position as the UK’s highest paying supermarket.

"This announcement recognises the amazing contribution our colleagues make in serving the local communities in Cheshire. Their outstanding efforts have ensured that our customers continue to have access to fresh affordable food, every single day."