Today [Wednesday 13th February] ASDA heralded a successful 2007 by giving its 127,000 store and depot colleagues a share of a record £21 million bonus pool.
The £21 million pot, which is paid into colleagues' February pay packet, will be distributed amongst colleagues with more than six months service working in ASDA's 352 stores and 24 depots across the UK.
The annual performance-related bonus scheme was first introduced in 2000 after ASDA became part of the Wal-Mart Family and, with this years' average payout equalling £245 for a full-time store colleague, the total bonus paid to colleagues across the chain over the last eight years has now reached more than £107 million.
The record bonus payments mirror the performance of Britain's second biggest supermarket, which last year was independently voted Britain's Lowest Price Supermarket for the tenth year running, and comes after ASDA boss Andy Bond hailed the festive season ASDA's "best ever" following a record trading day on the 10th December.
Increasing customer numbers, the rejuvenation and expansion of dot.com and the launch of its new fly-on-the-wall style ad campaigns have all helped boost the supermarket's performance and guarantee the delivery of a bonus for all its colleagues.
For the second year running, more than 45,000 colleagues from 118 stores and 21 depots nationwide outperforming their targets will be pocketing full bonus entitlement - with a payout of up to £420 for every full time colleague in store that hit the 'super bonus' threshold.
Andy Bond, ASDA's Chief Executive, said, "Once again it's the hard work and enthusiasm of our colleagues that has made the business such a success this year. It's only fair that we share the rewards with all the colleagues who helped make it happen."
ASDA is the only British supermarket to be featured in The Guardian's Top 100 Employers for 2007 and 2008, and has also been recognised as a great employer internationally by the FT and FORTUNE Magazine.
