Sainsbury's introduces new £13.23 rule in stores across the UK
Members of staff will benefit from the change from March.
Sainsbury's has made a change across all stores. The supermarket will now be paying its colleagues nationwide an above-inflation 5% pay increase, taking employees' hourly pay to £13.23.
The retailer described the pay rise and a "sector-leading increase" with those in London receiving a higher rate of £14.54. The change will be implemented from March 2026, with full-time workers potentially seeing their income increase by more than £1,200 a year.
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Sainsbury's has increased its pay by 42% over the past five years and offers a number of benefits, including a pension scheme, a share-save scheme, free food during shifts, and discounts for employees. According to the supermarket, the staff perks can save workers over £600 annually on an £80 weekly shop.
Simon Roberts, Sainsbury's CEO, 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."
Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers (USDAW) general secretary Joanne Thomas said the trade union welcomed the pay rise announced this week.
She said: "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."
Sainsbury's employees are not the only ones who received a financial boost. Aldi store workers also received a pay rise earlier this month, the second since September.
