Money isn’t the only thing that matters, right? M&S also throws in some perks that make a real difference. You get a 20% discount on most of their clothes and food. That’s huge when you realize a festive Colin the Caterpillar costs a fortune at full price.
They also offer a generous pension scheme and a profit share bonus. Last year, that bonus added up to about £300 extra for many staff. Suddenly, that £12 an hour feels even better.
Broker tips M&S shares to hit their highest level since 2015 | This is
How Does It Compare to Your Local Supermarket?
Let’s be real – you probably shop at Tesco or Sainsbury’s too. As of late 2026, Tesco pays around £11.02 for new starters. Sainsbury’s is close to £12.00 for some roles, but M&S is consistently at the top end. It’s like comparing a standard sandwich to a full-on M&S gastropub meal – you pay a bit more, but you get better ingredients.
This matters because the people packing your bags or recommending a wine are treated better. A happier worker means a nicer shopping trip for you.
