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Lincolnshire Co-op has announced a pay uplift for over 2,600 workers worth an average of 5.8 per cent extra following an agreement with trade union Usdaw.

The announcement will see over 95 per cent of the cooperative's 2,800 staff members awarded "at least a 77p per hour uplift," with employees covered by the Usdaw retail agreement to receive at least £12.36 per hour - 15p higher than the new minimum wage of £12.21 per hour.

This includes staff at the cooperative's 43 pharmacies, which gained Company Chemists' Association membership at the end of 2024.

It also includes apprentices and under-21s "who can legally be paid a different rate," the organisation commented.
The uplift will be reflected in wages paid out in May and will be backdated to April 1st.

An extra £3.3m per year will be paid to staff at the cooperative as a result of the new agreement.

Alison Hands, chief executive at Lincolnshire Co-op, commented: “We want to support our colleagues during this challenging time, where people’s household budgets are 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.

“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. Growth will enable us to continue to provide our valued services and give back to our community.

“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 said: “We are pleased to have negotiated an above-inflation pay increase, despite lower inflation rates than last year and following on from previous significant pay increases.

“The cost of living continues to be a key concern for our members, so the business’ 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.”