Pret A Manger has announced it will be investing an additional US$11 million in staff pay, further supporting its United Kingdom workforce in the wake of the rising cost of living.
From 1 December 2022, all United Kingdom employees across shops and its support centre will receive a 5 per cent pay increase.
This means that 8,600 shop staff including team members, baristas and managers will see an average baseline pay increase of 13 per cent within a year, which is currently above inflation.
“With the rising cost of living putting increased pressure on our people, we wanted to do more to support them, and to say thank you for continuing to go above and beyond for our customers,” says Guy Meakin, Interim Managing Director at Pret A Manger United Kingdom and Ireland.
“This will be the second year in a row we will have introduced a second pay rise in the same year for our employees, and we’re proud to be leading the industry on barista pay. We aspire to always be a top employer, with all our employees earning well above the National Minimum Wage irrespective of age.”
This will take the total Pret has invested in pay in 2022 to almost US$22 million. This makes it the company’s biggest pay investment in its 36-year history, in recognition of the hard work and commitment of its people.
Following two successful years with Pret’s award-winning Coffee Subscription, which allows customers to redeem up to five barista-made drinks a day for US$27.46 per month, the company is rewarding its hardworking baristas with a pay increase, amongst the highest in the industry. Barista pay will increase from between US$11.30 and US$13.07 per hour to between US$11.92 and US$13.73, depending on location and experience.
On average baristas working 35 hours a week have the potential to see an annual increase of up to US$1100.
This pay increase is alongside Pret’s existing benefits package which includes free food and drink for shop staff while on shift including breakfast and lunch, 50 per cent discount on food and drink for all staff otherwise and additional hourly bonuses for working early shift hours, ensuring Pret remains a top employer.
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