Lidl makes change across UK supermarkets with 15p charge

The new bags are 25p cheaper than the supermarket’s lowest-priced plastic option, with reusable plastic bags currently costing 40p each. The move comes after a price increase last year when Lidl raised the cost of plastic carrier bags from 30p to 40p.

Customers have shared mixed opinions on social media about the new paper bags, with some in favour and others expressing doubts.

One user wrote: “Some would say this is a good thing as it means less plastic waste. I’m not so sure.”

Another commented: “Put more than one apple in that paper bag and the handles say ‘I’m off mate’.”

UK supermarket rankings in 2026

Others raised concerns about durability.

One customer said: “Never had a brown paper bag that didn’t rip or collapse before l got home.”

Some felt there was no need to charge for a non-plastic bag.

Another user wrote: “Thought they only charged for plastic bag because of well…plastic.”

Others questioned whether the bags would hold up in wet weather.

One said: “Paper won’t stand the weight and if it rains a waste of time.”

Despite the criticism, some welcomed the change.

One user said: “Paper bags every time, easier to recycle!”

Another agreed: “A paper bag is great.”

Lidl and more UK supermarkets introduce ‘£13 rule’

Most of the major retailers are implementing a new ‘£13 rule’ as the cost of living crisis continues to squeeze Brits households’ budgets.

The rule means many major branches are introducing a wage increase for staff to make sure hourly pay reaches a minimum of £13.

In April, the legal minimum wage increased to £12.71 per hour.

Currently, the Real Living Wage stands at £13.45, which is determined by the Living Wage Foundation Charity.

Here is a list of other retailers and supermarkets set to adopt the ‘£13 rule’.

Primark

Customer assistants across England, Scotland and Wales have received a pay increase to a minimum of £13.

Those working at the fashion chain in London will see their wages increase to £13.71 an hour.

Tesco

Tesco has also increased the wages which will take effect from this month. According to The Workers Union [TWU], the hourly pay rate for store assistants increased to around £13.35 per hour nationally.

Aldi

Supermarket retailer Aldi has revealed its updated pay structure. The chain has said shop assistants will receive £13.50 per hour across the country.

Workers at branches in London will see their pay increase to £14.88 per hour.

Lidl

Lidl has stated that starting hourly rates have risen to £13.45 per hour across the nation and this can progress to £14.45 with time served. In the capitol, wage increase is set to climb to £14.80 and can climb to £15.30 based on experience.

Sainsbury’s

Sainsbury’s increased their hourly wage to £14.54 from £13.23 nationally.

M&S

Hourly wages at supermarket M&S increased from £12.60 to £13.41 on April 1.

While staff based in London saw their wage climb from £13.85 to £14.74.