Sainsbury’s has announced that it will increase wages for hourly paid employees by five per cent.

Hourly pay will increase to £13.23 per hour nationally and £14.54 per hour in London from March 2026.

The move will result in a pay increase of over £1,200 a year for full-time hourly-paid workers.

The supermarket said that the above inflation pay rise reflects the “exceptional contribution” of their employees.

The pay package also includes other benefits such a pension scheme, share-save scheme, free food during shifts and discounts that enable employees to save over £600 annually on an £80 weekly shop.

Sainsbury’s claims the pay rise builds on several years of significant investment in employee pay, adding that it has increased pay by 42 per cent over the past five years.

Simon Roberts, chief executive of Sainsbury’s, said that the hard work of its employees had helped the company 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 five per cent this year,” he continued. “This increase reflects our commitment to rewarding our colleagues for their exceptional service and productivity.”

Trade union Usdaw welcomed the news.

Joanne Thomas, Usdaw General Secretary, said: “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.”

Earlier this month, Aldi announced that it will increase pay for store employees as part of a £36 million investment in pay and benefits.

From Sunday 1st March 2026, starting pay for store assistants will rise to £13.35 per hour nationally, and £14.71 per hour within the M25.

This will rise to £14.30 per hour and £15.03 within the M25 based on length of service.

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