Today we’ve announced another above‑inflation pay increase for our hourly‑paid colleagues across Sainsbury’s and Argos.
From March 2026, hourly pay will rise by 5%, taking the base rate to £13.23 an hour nationally and £14.54 an hour in London. For many full‑time colleagues, this means over £1,200 more a year, alongside our wider benefits package.
Our colleagues do a brilliant job every day - serving customers, supporting one another and keeping our business moving. This latest increase builds on several years of sustained investment in colleague pay, with hourly rates rising by more than 40% over the last five years.
The pay increase has been welcomed by Usdaw, which represents thousands of Sainsbury’s colleagues across the UK.
Joanne ThomasUsdaw 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.
Usdaw General Secretary
Q&A
From March 2026, hourly pay at Sainsbury’s and Argos will be £13.23 per hour nationally and £14.54 per hour in London. For many full‑time hourly‑paid colleagues, this means earning over £1,200 more a year, alongside a strong benefits package.
Yes. Sainsbury’s has announced an above‑inflation 5% pay increase for hourly‑paid colleagues, effective from March 2026. This builds on several years of sustained investment in colleague pay, with hourly rates rising by over 40% in the last five years.
Yes. Alongside competitive pay, colleagues receive a comprehensive benefits package, including colleague discount at Sainsbury’s and Argos, free food during shifts, a pension scheme, a sharesave scheme, and access to partner discounts - helping colleagues save over £600 a year on an £80 weekly shop.
Sainsbury’s is committed to backing its people at every stage of their career. Alongside sustained investment in pay and benefits, the business offers development opportunities such as FutureMaker, its new graduate programme, creating nearly 50 roles and building skills in areas like data, digital and AI through real‑world experience. This focus on reward, wellbeing and development helps colleagues thrive and supports long‑term business success.