Paying dearly: Unions hit out at ‘strings’ in Sainsbury’s industry leading pay offer

Sainsbury’s has boosted its pay for its supermarket staff to an industry‑leading £9.20 an hour – but faced fire from union Unite that it was “robbing Peter to pay Paul”. Sainsbury’s retail director Simon Roberts said: “The sector has never been more competitive and we know our customers value our col‑ leagues and the excellent serv‑ ice they provide.” The current rate is £8 – but Unite, recom‑ mending rejection, said the rise would be “eroded” by such “strings” as removing premi‑ ums for Sunday working.