United KingdomMarks & Spencer (M&S) is upgrading its refrigeration systems to handle extreme heat following operational difficulties during a recent heatwave where temperatures reached 45°C. CEO Stuart Machin acknowledged struggles with refrigeration failures and stated the company is investing in more resilient equipment to prepare for future heatwaves. The Met Office forecasts potential temperature increases, including 45°C in England by 2056. During M&S's annual general meeting, shareholder activists urged the company to align pay with the real living wage, which it previously supported. While M&S raised retail staff wages to £13.41 hourly (London: £14.74), this remains below the real living wage benchmark of £13.45 (UK) and £14.80 (London).
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about M&S's operational adjustments due to extreme weather and shareholder concerns over pay alignment with the real living wage. It does not take a clear ideological stance on either side of the debate, presenting both corporate actions and activist demands.
