Sainsbury’s colleagues are to receive an above-inflation 5% pay increase this year, bringing its hourly rate up to £13.23.
In what the supermarket giant has described as a “sector-leading increase”, hourly pay will rise to £13.23 per hour nationally and to £14.54 per hour in London from March 2026.
For a full-time hourly-paid colleague, the investment will see their pay increase by over £1,200 a year.
In the past five years, Sainsbury’s has increased pay by 42% and offers a benefits package which includes a pension scheme, share-save scheme, free food during shifts, and discounts that enable colleagues to save over £600 annually on an £80 weekly shop, according to the retailer.
“Our colleagues are at the heart of our business,” said Sainsbury’s CEO Simon Roberts. “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 said the trade union “welcomed” the 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.”
It comes after Aldi raised pay for store workers for the second time since September, earlier this month.
From 1 March, its entry-level national hourly rate will rise from £13.02 to £13.35. Inside the M25 it will rise from £14.35 to £14.71.
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