Sainsbury’s and Argos introduce new £13.23 rule at all UK stores – started in March | Personal Finance | Finance
Sainsbury’s announced a change to staff pay earlier this year. The supermarket confirmed that employees will receive a pay rise, which has since come into effect. From March 2026, both Sainsbury’s and Argos staff saw their hourly pay rates rise by 5%, to £13.23 an hour nationally and £14.54 an hour in London. The increase translates to an annual increase of over £1,200 alongside Sainsbury’s wider benefits package.
The retailer noted that the increase builds on several years of investment in colleague pay, with the hourly rates rising by more than 40% over the last five years, and that the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers (Usdaw), which represents thousands of Sainsbury’s employees across the nation, welcomed the pay increase.
Joanne Thomas, Usdaw General Secretary, said: “Usdaw has a longstanding and valued relationship with Sainsbury’s and we welcome today’s announcement of an above‑inflation pay rise. 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.”
As well as the “competitive pay”, Sainsbury’s offers colleagues a discount at Sainsbury’s and Argos, free food during shifts, a pension scheme, a sharesave scheme, and access to partner discounts. The supermarket claims that colleagues can save over £600 a year on an £80 weekly shop.
Sainsbury’s is one of many retailers that have increased pay for its colleagues.
Aldi boosted its employees’ rates twice this year and is currently the highest-paying supermarket in the UK. Entry-level pay rose to £13.50 nationally and £14.88 inside the M25. These rates rise to £14.47 and £15.20 respectively based on length of service.
Giles Hurley, Chief Executive Officer of Aldi UK and Ireland, said: “Our colleagues work incredibly hard to deliver exceptional value for our customers, and we’re rewarding that dedication with the highest pay in the sector.
“We’ve invested over £42 million in colleague pay this year because we know that every single member of Team Aldi is fundamental to our success and deserve nothing less.”
