Sainsbury’s Pumps Salaries Up and Keeps Prices Low
What’s the scoop? Sainsbury’s just announced a fresh £200 million boost for its workforce, with 120,000 staff members getting an hourly raise – from £11 to £12 a hour – kicking in this March. That’s a healthy slice of cash for the teams on the shop floor.
National Living Wage: a step up for the young bucks
From April onwards, the National Living Wage will tick up for 21‑ and 22‑year‑olds, moving from £10.42 to £11.44. It’s another win for younger workers who are juggling rent, food, and the endless quest for the perfect parking spot.
Why it matters beyond the cash register
- Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s endorsement: “It’s great to see Sainsbury’s rewarding hard work” – a nod from the big wigs.
- Market performance: In the 12 weeks ending 24 December, Sainsbury’s lifted its market share to a three‑year high of 15.8 %, up from 15.5 % the previous year, with sales climbing a solid 9.3 %.
- Union praise: USDAW’s national officer, Bally Auluk, hails an “inflation‑busting pay award of over 9 %,” remarking on the robust partnership and a streak of generous pay rises.
CEO Simon Roberts on the “Cheers to the Team” move
Simon Roberts, Sainsbury’s chief executive, told employees: “Our colleagues do a brilliant job delivering for our customers every day—and at the same time they’re battling the rising cost of living.” He added, “In addition to investing to keep our prices low for customers, I’m delighted to confirm another industry‑leading pay increase for all our hourly‑paid colleagues.”
Payroll smiles for the future
With the new wage, shoppers are going to get more reliable staff on the shelves, greater job satisfaction, and ultimately a better shopping experience. And for the hens‑layered crowd, a higher hourly rate means walking out of the aisle with a little extra in their pockets.
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