Holland & Barrett competes with high street retailers by increasing pay

Health and wellness high street retailer, Holland & Barrett, is investing in its workforce by upping hourly in-store work rates by 9%, from £11.00 to £12.00.

London-based colleagues will receive an increase from £11.95 to £13.00, just shy of another 9% increase.

Following the growth of the business over the past year, the pay increase puts the brand in a strong position amongst other high-street retailers as it looks to attract new staff and retain those already on its books. Currently, Holland & Barrett boasts 1,000 stores across 19 countries worldwide and employs 5,000 colleagues in the UK alone.

The new pay, which comes into effect on 1 April, sees store-based colleagues receive a 25% raise in the past two years.

Other benefits available to store colleagues include a 25% staff discount, free wellness diagnostic tests and a £50 product allowance, to name a few. All store colleagues also receive nationally recognised health and wellness qualifications during their time with H&B, with the opportunity for continuing development through its apprenticeship schemes.

Anthony Houghton, CEO of Holland & Barrett UK&I, said: "We’re known for our amazing, knowledgeable colleagues, who help our customers with their wellness needs. We are delighted to once again be offering a substantial pay increase, alongside our strong benefits plan.

"We have exciting plans for the business in the year ahead, and look forward to continuing to provide health and wellness services to customers nationwide for another 150 years."

Not only is the brand investing in brick-and-mortar but it is also focused on growing its e-commerce side of the business. As part of its growth plans, Holland & Barrett signed an agreement with THG in January. THG is now providing D2C operational services, fulfilment and courier management services to support H&B online.