Dreams has brought forward its annual pay increase for staff as part of a cost of living crisis package.
Staff had been due to receive the increase next April, but this will now happen next month as part of a £5m package.
Staff will receive a rise of 4.3%-8.6%, with the chain saying the majority will see the higher increase. Dreams’ executive team will not receive an increase.
Other new initiatives being introduced include discounts on high-street food retailers including Asda, Iceland, Tesco and Marks & Spencer; free out-of-hours GP service and medical appointments, to help give greater flexibility and to protect holiday allowances and free financial support, budgeting guidance and debt management advice via The Retail Trust. Staff will continue to be able to claim discounts of up to 60% when buying products at Dreams.
Dreams’ 208 stores will close on 21st December before re-opening on Boxing Day.
‘We know that the rising cost of living and recent interest rate spikes means that life is getting harder, not easier for lots of people, including our colleagues. Our absolute focus is making sure that Dreams continues to be market-leading and here for the long-term. Looking after our fantastic colleagues and putting them first is our priority: they are what makes our business what it is. Despite a challenging operating environment, we wanted to do more to look after our colleagues and their loved ones through this period,’ says Jonathan Hirst, Dreams ceo.
