Marks & Spencer (M&S) has introduced a new minimum wage of £13.41 per hour for its UK customer assistants, effective from April 1. This decision is part of a significant investment of over £70 million aimed at increasing pay for approximately 55,000 retail colleagues by 6.4%. For customer assistants based in London, the hourly wage will rise to £14.74. Over the past four years, M&S has invested more than £350 million in colleague pay, reflecting a commitment to supporting its workforce. M&S Chief Executive Stuart Machin emphasized the importance of investing in employees, stating that this pay increase, alongside a comprehensive benefits package, underscores the company's commitment to its staff. The total compensation, including benefits, could reach up to £16.33 per hour, showcasing M&S's efforts to provide competitive remuneration in the retail sector.