M&S in staff pay dispute amid new conditions

Amid numerous high street battling to keep the national living down to pay employees, M&S is fighting its own battle to remove extra pay for employees working Sundays.

Currently M&S pays its Sunday staff twice the rate of working on other days. Rumours are circulating that M&S may let go staff who are unwilling to accept its new pay conditions, which it proposes as fair and above industry standard.

In consultation documents seen by City A.M., M&S said the company has “used the introduction of the UK National Living Wage as an opportunity to review how we reward our people.”

The retailer is increasing its base rate pay while removing Sunday and bank holiday premium pay.

According to City AM, an M&S spokesperson stated: "We believe our proposed new approach to pay and pensions would reward our people in a fair and consistent way, simplify and modernise our business and help us attract and retain the best talent so we can continue to provide great service for our customers. The proposals include one of highest pay rates and one of the best benefits packages in UK retail. The consultation is ongoing and we are listening carefully to our colleagues and their representatives."

In May M&S announced changes to pay for its 70,000 store staff. Pay would rise by 15 percent, although pay for Sunday and night shifts would be cut.

The base pay for qualified shop workers will be increased from 7.41 an hour to 8.50 pounds an hour outside London and will be increased to 9.65 pounds within Greater London. The National Living Wage for over 25s is 9.02 pounds per hour to go into effect by 2020.

Marks and Spencer is the biggest clothing retailer in the country by sales and has 32 million customers.

Photo credit M&S Facebook page