Earlier this month, Sainsbury’s supermarket announced it would be increasing wages by 5% in 2025. By August, the rise in hourly pay will change from £12 to £12.60 in response to a ‘particularly tough cost inflation environment.” An initial pay rise to £12.45 per hour will come into effect in March 2025.
Around 118,000 staff will be eligible for the pay rise. This great news for affected employees, and puts the supermarket’s staff amongst the top earners in the sector. However, the pay increase does nothing to rectify the many years of unequal pay experienced by some Sainsbury’s store workers.
What is the Sainsbury's equal pay claim about?
Equal pay has become a hot topic in recent years, with many major supermarkets facing legal challenges. Sainsbury’s is one of the supermarket chains involved in the scandal.
Equal pay legislation states that men and women in the same employment, performing work of equal value, must receive equal pay. But, despite Sainsbury’s distribution centre workers (mostly male) and store workers (largely female), doing roles of equal value, shop workers are paid significantly less than their warehouse counterparts. Lawyers argue this breaks equal pay laws.
While the pay disparity at Sainsbury’s may have gender implications, the equal pay claim is not just for female employees. Both male and female store workers who have been unfairly paid can potentially take legal action.
Good news for Sainsbury’s store workers
In a similar claim, an employment tribunal ruled that Next store staff should have been paid the same rate as Next warehouse employees. As a result of the ruling, the underpaid workers – who are predominantly women – could now be due more than £30 million in backpay. While Next said it would appeal the decision, this is a big win for affected shop workers. Legal experts believe the ruling is also good news for supermarket employees across the UK fighting similar claims for equal pay.
Can you join a Sainsbury’s equal pay claim?
If you are a Sainsbury’s store employee you could have an equal pay claim. If successful, this case could result in thousands of pounds in compensation for current and former employees, with most claims valued at over £5,000.
There are similar equal pay claims against Tesco, Asda and Morrisons.
Think you might have a claim? Our simple online checker provides instant clarity. Answer a few straightforward questions, and you’ll know if you could qualify to join a Sainsbury’s equal pay group action. It only takes a few seconds to check and there’s no obligation to proceed.
Your compensation could increase for every hour worked from the day you join until the case concludes. Sign up now to ensure the maximum payout possible.
