Sainsbury’s bosses have insulted staff by tabling a wage cut in the guise of a pay offer, Unite, the UK and Ireland’s largest union, said today (Thursday 13 February).

Unite, which has thousands of members across the supermarket giant, said a one per cent pay increase that has been offered to staff is in fact a pay cut when the 2.5 per cent rate of inflation is considered.

The union said the offer was an ‘insult’ to staff who during the last two years have endured changes to their contracts and a failed merger with Asda.

Many staff did not receive a pay increase when their contracts changed in 2018 and are on less money than they were prior to the changes, Unite, which is consulting members over how to react to the offer, said.

Unite national officer for food, drink and agriculture, Bev Clarkson, said: “This offer is an insult to staff who have gone through two years of unpopular contract changes and the uncertainty caused by the ill-fated Asda merger.

“Offering a paltry one per cent rise in the face of a retail price index of 2.5 per cent is simply unacceptable.

“Unite will do everything in its power to ensure our members are offered a pay deal that reflects the cost of living and their hard work. Sainsbury’s needs to stop penny pinching and table a sensible offer.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

Unite welcomes news that Sainsbury’s merger with Asda is off

For more information please contact Unite communications officer Ryan Fletcher on 07849 090215.

Email: ryan.fletcher@unitetheunion.org

Twitter: @unitetheunion Facebook: unitetheunion1 Web: unitetheunion.org

Unite is Britain and Ireland’s largest union with members working across all sectors of the economy. The general secretary is Len McCluskey.