The UK’s favourite coffee chain introduced a new change across all of its branches this year. Costa Coffee announced a £7 million investment to increase the pay of more than 16,000 employees nationwide, with the change taking effect on April 16.
Baristas now earn £13.12, up from £12.60, while team leaders and coffee trainers known as Barista Maestros, now earn an hourly rate of £13.75, rather than one between £12.93 and £13.43. The rise marks Costa Coffee’s seventh pay increase since 2021.
Those working in Central London earn an extra £1 per hour than the chain’s national rate, which is £14.12 for Baristas, and £14.75 for Barista Maestros.
Before the change took effect, the company confirmed that all 16,000 hourly-paid employees in company-owned UK stores will receive the pay rise, as it does not operate age banding.
Employees also have the chance of receiving bonuses based on high-performing store teams.
Nick Orrin, Costa Coffee’s UK&I Managing Director, said: “Our talented Baristas and team members are the heart of Costa Coffee, with every drink shaped by their expertise, skill and passion.
“This latest pay uplift reflects our ongoing commitment to recognise, reward and invest in the people who deliver great coffee experiences and daily rituals for our customers across the UK.”
Costa Coffee noted that the investment in staff pay is part of its ongoing commitment to team members, ensuring a sustainable and competitive pay rate
At the time, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said: “It’s fantastic to hear that Costa Coffee are recognising and supporting their hard-working staff with this pay increase.
“Hard work should be rewarded, which is why from April, our increase to the National Living Wage will benefit 2.4 million people, with full-time workers on the National Living Wage being £900 a year better off.”