Itsu announces 13% pay rise for all staff

Itsu has announced a pay rise of up to 13% across its entire workforce to help employees cope with rising prices in the UK, amid the cost-of-living crisis.

The investment will see entry-level pay boosted to a minimum of £11.50 per hour, which is almost 20% higher than the average industry hourly wage of £9.80.

The Asian-inspired chain revealed that all 1,200+ restaurant staff would see their wages go up across its equity-owned restaurants, by up to double the industry average rise of 6.4%.

As a result of the increases, every team member will be on an “industry-leading” pay package. This marks the second pay rise in 12 months for the company, totalling a 22.3% increase overall.

Itsu said this demonstrates its commitment to hiring, retaining, and supporting its talent as it grows its presence throughout the UK. 

The move comes as itsu’s growth continues, with the business on course to open 15 new restaurants in 2022,  creating more than 200 jobs across the industry this year. 

Ganan Kanagathurai, CEO at Itsu, said: “Our team members are the heart of our business. We are committed to looking after our people, in what are going to be difficult times for many of them. We’ll always  pay our teams as much as we can afford rather than what we can get away with.”

Harry Housen, Itsu’s group people director, added: “We’re confident that our commitment to training our people, focus on internal promotions, and market leading pay will position us as the employer of choice for those within the hospitality sector.”