OUR READERS praised supermarket key workers and the retail giant they are employed by, for their efforts during the Covid-19 pandemic after the news that they are expecting a pay rise.

Morrisons have announced that they will be paying workers a minimum of £10 as of April, an increase from £9.20.

The supermarket giant, which has a store in Whitehaven will give the raise to 96,000 workers. It was negotiated by retail trade union Usdaw.

The increase means a nine per cent rise in wages for the majority of Morrisons' workers.

In real terms, full time staff of Morrisons will see their weekly earnings rise from £330.10 to £367.50

The raise is 50p per hour more than the voluntary Living Wage Foundation rate.

Readers of Newsquest Cumbria publications celebrated the news that the key workers are being rewarded for working throughout the Coronavirus pandemic.

Rebekah Marston said: "Well done Morrisons, all supermarket staff should get this."

Debbie Graham said: "Greatly deserved too."

Martin Kelly said: "Well done, this pandemic has shown who the workers are that we really need."

Ian Lewis said: "Ive worked in the armed forces, Morrisons and now the NHS and I can honestly say that I've never seen anyone work harder than what Morrisons staff have to."

"If you're a hiring manager, don't under-value a supermarket worker."

Angus Mcfayden said: "It's shame the NHS can't get the same."