B&Q has announced an increase in its minimum hourly wage in the UK to £12.21, and in London, to up to £13.55. This 8% increase exceeds the government’s 2024 national living wage of £11.44 per hour, following a previous year-on-year increase of 8.9%. Starting from April 2024, this wage adjustment will affect 16,500 employees, resulting in an annual increase of over £1,700 for full-time staff.
With this new rate, B&Q establishes itself as offering the highest minimum hourly wage among major UK retailers, 77p per hour more than the government’s national living wage and 21p per hour more than the Real Living Wage.
The company’s policy ensures the same minimum hourly rate for all colleagues aged 18 and over, including apprentices, emphasizing equal pay for equal work regardless of age.
Graham Bell, CEO of B&Q, stated the pay increase aims to enhance the company’s competitiveness in attracting and retaining essential staff for customer service and home improvement support. Bell noted that the minimum hourly rate has increased by over 27% in the last three years, marking B&Q’s investment in its workforce.
B&Q employees benefit from a range of perks, including a 20% discount at B&Q stores, which increases to 30% for energy-efficient products, an award-winning pension scheme with up to 14% employer contributions, and access to various shopping discounts with other retailers and entertainment brands.
