IKEA has announced a pay increase and well-being support package for its Irish staff to support them during the cost of living crisis.
The furniture retailer said its hourly paid staff will see their hourly pay rate increase to €13.85 from January.
It noted that the Living Wage Technical Group (LWTG) said last month that the hourly living wage rate should increase to €13.85 per hour to reflect the rising cost of living.
IKEA said its salaried staff will receive a pay rise of 6% on average, in line with its commitment to paying a fair and sustainable rate of pay.
It also said that every eligible member of its Irish workforce will receive a bonus before Christmas.
IKEA also said today it is enhancing the existing benefits package for its workforce.
These measures include the doubling of its worker discount to 30% from 15% across more than 2,000 products which help to reduce energy, water and food waste, including the likes of water-saving taps and LED bulbs.
It will also offer more free food options in its staff restaurant as well as travel season ticket discounts.
Employees of more than six months will also have the option of taking out a flexible, no questions asked loan of up to €1,200, or up to 10% of their salary.
Marsha Smith, Country Deputy Manager UK/Ireland IKEA, said the company has always been committed to paying a fair, sustainable rate of pay based on the cost of living.
"Recognising the increasing challenges brought by the rising cost of living, we are pleased to share some of the additional measures we are taking to ensure needs are met; and hope that it will ease some of the pressures of the current climate," Ms Smith said.
"By building on our existing co-worker benefits, and by heightening our focus in this area, we want to ensure that our colleagues feel supported during this challenging period," she added.
