Grocery giant Sainsbury’s has announced an above-inflation 5% hourly pay rise for staff to come into effect from March.
The retailer said the “sector-leading” increase meant that hourly pay for staff would increase to £13.23 an hour nationally, and 14.54 per hour in London, from March. This represents a £1,200 annual increase for hourly-paid full-time employees.
Sainsbury’s said the latest increase meant it had raised hourly pay by 42% over the last five years – a “significant investment in colleague pay, reinforcing our strong leadership position in the sector”.
Chief executive Simon Roberts said: “Our colleagues are at the heart of our business. Their hard work, dedication and commitment have driven our strong momentum and helped us win grocery market share growth for the sixth consecutive Christmas period. I’m delighted to share that we will be raising pay for our hourly-paid colleagues by 5% this year. This increase reflects our commitment to rewarding our colleagues for their exceptional service and productivity.”
Usdaw general secretary Joanne Thomas added: “Usdaw has a longstanding and valued relationship with Sainsbury’s and we welcome today’s announcement of an above-inflation pay rise. Our members are key workers in their communities and crucial to the success of the business. It is only right they are fairly rewarded for their hard work, a case that Usdaw has consistently made in pay talks with the company.”
The announcement comes soon after discounter Aldi announced that it would be upping the hourly pay of its staff to £13.35 an hour nationally and £14.71 inside the M25 from March.
Those rates increase to £14.30 an hour and over £15 within the M25, based on a staff member’s length of service.
Aldi said at the time that the pay rise represented a further £36m investment in staff pay and benefits from the retailer since the beginning of the year.
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