The retailer has revealed a pay increase for its entire retail workforce of 110,000 that outpaces inflation.

The chain described its hourly-paid employees as hardworking and confirmed all would get a 4% increase. The rollout will happen in two phases, starting from April 1 and concluding on July 5.

Workers based beyond the M25 will see their hourly rate rise from £12.60 to £13.10 by summer, while those within the M25 will move from £13.82 to £14.35.

According to official figures from the Office for National Statistics, the consumer price index stood at 3.2% in February, making Asda’s raise 0.8 percentage points above inflation.

The company described the announcement positively and stated it represented an £80 million investment.

Since TDR Capital and the Issa brothers took over in 2021, hourly wages have risen by approximately 40%.

James Goodman, the Chief People Officer at Asda, stated that store-based team members form the heart of the organisation and their customer service role is fundamental to the formula for growth recovery strategy.

He expressed satisfaction at being able to award an above-inflation pay increase and make this level of investment. He also expressed gratitude for their ongoing dedication and efforts to continuously improve the company.

Many households across England, Wales and Northern Ireland could be failing to claim food vouchers worth as much as £442.

Over 200,000 families have previously been alerted that they may not be claiming the Healthy Start scheme.

This NHS initiative provides assistance to low-income families with young children and expectant mothers who receive qualifying benefits.

The vouchers can be spent on nutritious foods including milk, baby formula, and fresh produce.

Qualifying individuals may receive weekly payments of either £4.25 or £8.50 depending on their child’s age.

Applications can be submitted via email or telephone by those who are at least 10 weeks pregnant or have at least one child under four, provided they receive Income Support, Universal Credit, or Working Tax Credit run-on payments, but not Child Tax Credit, or who receive Pension Credit including the child addition.

Additionally, applications are accepted from those at least 10 weeks pregnant who are either under 18 and receive no benefits, or who receive Child Tax Credit without Working Tax Credit and have a household income below £16,190 annually, or who claim income-related Employment and Support Allowance.