Sainsbury’s to pay staff above minimum wage
SAINSBURY’S has become the latest retailer in the UK to pay its shop staff above the government’s new national living wage from next month.
Britain’s second biggest retailer announced today it will pay all its 137,000 non-management store colleagues at least £7.36 from 30 August, up from £7.08 previously.
Ikea also revealed a pay hike for its UK staff earlier this month.
The chancellor George Osborne announced a new compulsory living wage of £7.20 in his Budget last month, rising to £9 by 2020.
The new wage, which replaces the current minimum wage of £6.50, will come into effect in April next year and apply to all workers over 25.
However, Sainsbury’s said all store workers – including those under 25 – will be eligible for the new wage.
In total, the retailer employs 161,000 people across its stores, depots and store support centres.
Chief executive Mike Coupe said: “We’re delighted to announce a four per cent pay increase for the colleagues who work in our stores. We know what a difference they make to our customers each and every day and we’re totally committed to rewarding them well for the great service they provide.”