Hundreds of Aldi supermarket staff in Northamptonshire have landed a New Year pay rise to say thank you for working through the pandemic. The grocery chain, which has 13 sites in the county, will boost hourly rates to a minimum £9.55 an hour. New rates are also boosted by the fact Aldi is still one of the only UK supermarkets to pay staff for breaks during shifts. When paid breaks are included, staff's minimum hourly pay rate based on an average six-hour shift will be £10.11. Chief Executive Giles Hurley said: “I want to express my sincere thanks to every single Aldi colleague who stepped up when it mattered. “Their outstanding efforts have ensured that our customers continue to have access to fresh affordable food, every single day. “It has never been more important to ensure that our colleagues are rewarded fully for their immense contribution during a challenging period for everyone.” Aldi now has more than 900 stores throughout the UK and is targeting another 300 new sites by 2025 and an additional 4,000 staff during 2021. Message from the editor: Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you. In order for us to continue to provide trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper while out for your essential shopping. Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the highest standards in the world. The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers and consequently the advertising that we receive. We are now more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news by buying a copy of our newspaper. Thank you