Lidl Ireland has announced an €11 million investment in employee pay increases for its workforce in the Republic of Ireland, with a further £2.3 million being invested in the retailers’ operations in Northern Ireland. All employees will feel the benefit of this increase in their wages, with the increase effective from 1st March.
Since 2022, Lidl has invested more than €58 million in pay rises for employees in the Republic of Ireland, with employees benefitting from an approximate 27.5% cumulative increase, or an average €9,500 in additional take home pay during the height of the cost-of-living crisis.
This latest investment will see all of Lidl’s 5,500 employees in Ireland benefitting from an average increase of 4% to their ‘Total Rewards’ package. Consisting of an annual 3% increase to salaries, equal to on average €1,500 per employee and the remainder contributed to industry-leading benefits including pension funds, private healthcare and personal insurance to safeguard employees at every life stage.
Lidl was the first major nationwide employer to commit to paying the Living Wage in 2015 and has for the last decade maintained or exceeded the Living Wage rate of pay. With this latest pay increase, Lidl Ireland has moved its minimum wage for employees to €15.40 and top rate wage for colleagues to €17.90 – matching the recommended €15.40 Living Wage rate for 2026.
As Ireland’s fastest growing supermarket according to retail analysts Kantar, Lidl continues to expand its presence, opening new stores and creating jobs nationwide. As the business continues to grow with a €600 million expansion investment announced in 2025 into 35 new stores by 2030, rewarding colleagues fairly remains central to its approach as a responsible employer, recognising that its growth plans depend on the dedication of those who deliver every day.
Commenting on the announcement, Maeve McCleane, Chief People Officer at Lidl Ireland & Northern Ireland said:
“At Lidl, we believe that supporting our colleagues is the foundation of our success. We are delighted to announce an €11 million commitment to enhancing salaries, hourly paid and total reward packages for our entire workforce throughout Ireland. While the economic climate remains a challenge, our focus is on a holistic approach to employee compensation, balancing immediate salary growth with long-term lifestyle benefits providing more than just competitive pay; we are building a comprehensive support system that benefits every single individual. This is our way of saying a sincere thank you for our colleague’s central role in driving Lidl’s success.”
For the sixth year running, Lidl has been recognised by the Top Employers Institute as a Top Employer for 2026. One of only 13 Irish companies and the only grocery retailer to receive the accolade, the Top Employer accreditation is a globally recognised and highly sought-after certification which showcases an organisation’s dedication to a better world of work, exhibited through excellent HR policies and people practices.
Lidl Ireland continues to lead the retail sector with a comprehensive suite of industry-first benefits and supports, including paid maternity, paternity, fertility, and carers leave. By removing the mandatory retirement age and providing dedicated supports for miscarriage, domestic abuse and family carers, the retailer reaffirms its commitment to an inclusive, family-friendly workplace.
In addition, Lidl became the first company in Ireland to achieve Gold Level Menopause Workplace Excellence Accreditation from The Menopause Hub Academy.
For more information on the roles available and Lidl Ireland please visit https://jobs.lidl.ie/
