Updated 09.00

Lidl is to become the first major retailer to introduce the living wage of €11.50 an hour.

The move - which will be introduced from November 1st - will see over 700 staff receive an increase in their pay.

The living wage technical group devised the figure as the amount needed to live to an acceptable standard of living.

Lidl's new base wage is 30% higher than the current minimum wage of €8.65.

The German supermarket chain says 80% of their Irish employees were already earning more than the living wage.

The 20% who will benefit from the change are in Store Assistant and Warehouse Operative levels, roles with a starting salary of €10.50 an hour.

Now all staff will earn a minimum of €11.50, rising to €13.00 per hour incrementally within 2 years.

Minister for Employment and Business Ged Nash will officially launch the Lidl living wage this morning.

He told Newstalk.com's Breakfast Show this is a significant milestone: 

A similar commitment is also being made to employees in Lidl Northern Ireland.

The company says they have been able to make the change because of strong growth.