Shop staff pay rise ‘not enough’

Staff working at Sainbury’s and Argos stores in Renfrewshire should get a higher pay rise, according to a trade union.

Shop bosses announced that from March, the hourly rate of pay for Sainsbury’s and Argos store colleagues will increase to £9.50. This is an increase from £9.30 for a Sainsbury’s colleague and £9 for an Argos colleague.

But retail trade union Usdaw said it was disappointed that the pay offer doesn’t meet the £10 per hour aim of the union’s New Deal for Workers campaign and which was agreed by Morrisons.

Dave Gill, Usdaw national officer, said:“Over the last year, Sainsbury’s staff have worked throughout pandemic to keep the nation fed, facing increased abuse from customers and worrying about catching Covid-19.

“As key workers delivering an essential service, they deserve much better than the additional 20p per hour on offer, particularly after only receiving a 1.3 per cent increase last year.

“Providing small bonuses to staff will affect payments of Universal Credit and working tax credits that many staff rely on.”

Sainsbury’s announced it was awarding frontline staff a third special recognition payment which is based on three per cent of their annual pay.

Clodagh Moriarty, retail and digital director at Sainsbury’s, said:“In the last 12 months, our frontline colleagues have shown outstanding commitment to our customers.

“In recognition of everything they have achieved, we are giving them a pay rise, plus an additional one-off payment.

“I feel so proud and humbled by the dedication our colleagues have shown day in, day out and would like to thank everyone for the part they have played in helping to feed the nation throughout an extraordinary year.”