The deal, which was negotiated by trade union Usdaw, covers more than 95% of Lincolnshire Co-op’s 2,800-strong team, including its agents. All roles will receive a minimum of £12.36 per hour, with every colleague covered by the agreements getting at least a 77p per hour uplift.
The pay bump will be paid in the May pay run and will be backdated to 1 April 2025. It means that Lincolnshire Co-op, which has 13 branches, continues to pay all colleagues at least 15p per hour above the National Living Wage. This includes apprentices or those aged under 21 who can legally be paid a different rate.
Lincolnshire Co-op’s chief executive Alison Hands said the company wanted to support staff “during this challenging time”, with people’s “household budgets under pressure”. “Every team member covered by these agreements will receive a minimum of 77p an hour more, and this will be particularly impactful for our frontline colleagues,” she said.
“It is a large investment into colleague pay. Combined with other external pressures such as inflation and significant increased costs, it means we do need to think broadly about our total cost base, making sure we are investing wisely where we will see a return.”
Hands continued: “We were pleased to be able to work with Usdaw through this process and appreciated the opportunity to share the pressures we are under as well as outline our plans for growth.”
Usdaw national officer Jayne Allport added: “Cost of living continues to be a key concern for our members, so the business’s decision to respond in such a positive manner is a welcome one for them.
"Usdaw has a longstanding and valued relationship with Lincolnshire Co-op. Our members are key workers in a business that delivers an essential service in our communities and it is only right they are fairly rewarded."
