Sainsbury’s raise staff wages for the second time this year

The pay hike and benefits are part of a £25million package to help employees through the cost-of-living crisis.

From October, basic pay for staff in Sainsbury’s and sister chain Argos outside of London will go up from £10 an hour to £10.25, while the rate in London stores will jump from £11.05 to £11.30.

The supermarket giant already hiked wages for staff in March amidst a country-wide staff shortage. In total, it marks a 7.9% increase over the year.

The support package gives employees free food while on shift, including porridge, soup, and bread until the end of the year. Staff discounts will also increase from 10% to 15% in the run-up to Christmas and five days around pay day.

Sainsbury’s chief executive Simon Roberts said the pay rise marks the first time the group had given its workers two pay rises in a year.

“Every day, I am hearing from colleagues who are really feeling the pressures of the rising cost of living," he said.

“That’s why we are doing everything we can to help our colleagues as they face rising bills and living costs this autumn by investing £25million into a package of support, including an early pay increase.”

David Gill, Retail trade union Usdaw’s national officer, said: “With the cost of living continually rising, we have kept open our dialogue with Sainsbury’s and we are pleased the business has responded so positively.

“This is an unprecedented additional Autumn pay award and the free food and additional discount will be appreciated by our members. It is a very challenging time at present and we are particularly pleased that this additional increase, due to take effect from October 2022, will not replace the usual pay review process which takes place annually.”

Aldi has also offered staff two pay rises this year. The hourly rate for warehouse workers increased by 9% to £12.66 in August.

Store workers at the German discount store received an increase £10.50 an hour, and £11.95 for those in Greater London.