RETAIL trade union Usdaw is disappointed that the Sainsbury’s and Argos 2021 pay offer does not meet the £10 per hour aim of the union’s New Deal for Workers campaign. The company has offered an increase to £9.50 per hour, which falls short of the deal Usdaw negotiated with Morrisons to pay staff £10 an hour from April.

Usdaw represents around 40,000 Sainsbury’s and Argos workers, the vast majority of whom have worked throughout the pandemic to keep the nation fed. The deal includes a plan to pay bonuses, but Usdaw wants to see investment in the hourly rate, not least because of the impact of irregular payments on those who are in receipt of in-work benefits.

Dave Gill – Usdaw National Officer says: “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% increase last year.

“The deal offers a higher increase for Argos workers of around 6%, which is welcome, but they also deserve better. Most Argos staff also worked throughout the pandemic, with many being redeployed into Sainsbury’s stores supporting the food retail side of the business.

“Providing small bonuses to staff will affect payments of Universal Credit and working tax credits that many staff rely on. Instead of bonuses, Sainsbury’s should at least match the Usdaw/Morrisons deal and give their staff the proper pay rise they deserve.”