Sainsbury’s introducing new £13.23 at UK stores in March | UK | News
Sainsbury’s is introducing a new £13.23 rule from next month in a major boost to its employees. The grocery giant, which has 600 supermarkets and more than 850 markets across the country, had previously announced that it would increase the salaries of hourly employees by 5 percent above inflation, starting from March.
The hourly rate will rise to £13.23 per hour nationally, while in London it will rise to £14.54 per hour. Sainsbury’s has announced that it has increased wages by 42% in the last five years. Retail union Usdaw General Secretary Joanne Thomas welcomed the move when it was approved on 29 January.
“Usdaw has a long-standing and valued relationship with Sainsbury’s and we welcome today’s announcement of above-inflation pay rises,” he said.
“Our members are key workers in their communities and are vital to the success of the business. It is right that they are fairly rewarded for their hard work, something Usdaw consistently negotiates pay with the company.”
Simon Roberts, Sainsbury’s CEO, said: “Our colleagues are at the heart of our business. Their hard work and brilliant planning has driven our strong momentum and helped us increase our grocery market share for the sixth consecutive Christmas season.
He added: “I am delighted to share that we will be increasing the salaries of our hourly colleagues by five per cent this year. This increase reflects our commitment to rewarding our colleagues for their outstanding service and productivity.”
As cost-of-living pressures continue, competitors are also increasing workers’ wages to retain and attract staff.
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From 1 April, Store Assistants working in Aldi’s UK branches will earn £13.50 per hour nationwide, while those working on the M25 will earn £14.88.
These pay rates rise to £14.47 and £15.20 respectively, depending on length of service. Aldi said the change would benefit 28,000 hourly paid store workers and that its new rates were higher than any of its rivals.
Meanwhile, from March 1, Lidl will increase hourly pay for shop assistants outside London to £13.45; this rate will rise to £14.00 depending on length of service.
In London, wages for entry-level shop workers rise to £14.80 per hour, while experienced staff can earn up to £15.35 per hour.
