Sainsbury’s to increase pay for store staff amid contract shake-up
Sainsbury’s is to invest over £100 million in its 130,000 store staff this year by taking the base rate of pay from £8.00 to £9.20 per hour.
For staff working in stores in areas in Zones 1 and 2 in London, this will increase to £9.80 per hour.
Sainsbury’s will fund the pay increase through ongoing cost savings within the business. The supermarket said the proposal forms part of several contract changes for staff as it looks to simplify its business. These will include the removal of the staff bonus and paid breaks.
Simon Roberts, Sainsbury’s retail and operations director, said: “The retail sector has never been more competitive and we know that our customers really value our colleagues and the excellent service they provide in our shops.
“Which is why we think it is so important to invest further in our colleagues so they feel rewarded and motivated to do the best possible job for our customers every day. We expect the best from our teams and that’s why we’re committing to a leading rate of pay. Great pay for great work.
“Together with our recent proposals to change our management structure in stores, we believe the proposed changes will set us up to run the best shops in the industry, delivering the best possible service for our customers.”
Staff will have a new contract with new pay rates, regardless of age or length of service.
In addition, the retailer is introducing “streamlined and broader” roles, moving from 22 specific roles to five. These will include trading assistant, food services assistant, online assistant, general merchandise and clothing assistant, and services assistant.
Other tweaks include changes to premium payments and changes to productivity, flexibility and attendance standards.
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