Sainsbury's new pay rule change has been implemented across all UK stores since March. The major supermarket now pays its employees an increased hourly rate of £13.23, with those in London now earning £14.54. According to Sainsbury's all employees saw their yearly income increase by over £1,200 as a result of the above-inflation pay rise.

Over the past five years, Sainsbury's has increased its pay by 42% and offered a range of staff benefits, including a pension scheme, a share-save scheme, free food during shifts and discounts. Along with the pay rise, Sainsbury's shared that employees can save over £600 a year on an £80 weekly shop, thanks to the staff perks.

At the time of the pay rise announcement, Sainsbury's CEO Simon Roberts praised employees for their "exceptional" work.

He said: "Our colleagues are at the heart of our business. Their hard work, dedication and commitment have driven our strong momentum and helped us win grocery market share growth for the sixth consecutive Christmas period.

"I'm delighted to share that we will be raising pay for our hourly-paid colleagues by 5% this year. This increase reflects our commitment to rewarding our colleagues for their exceptional service and productivity."

The Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers (USDAW) also welcomed the pay rise when it was announced back in January. General secretary Joanne Thomas said that the pay rise is a reward for USDAW members' hard work.

She said: "Usdaw has a longstanding and valued relationship with Sainsbury's and we welcome today's announcement of an above-inflation pay rise.

"Our members are key workers in their communities and crucial to the success of the business. It is only right they are fairly rewarded for their hard work, a case that Usdaw has consistently made in pay talks with the company."

Sainsbury's also recently chnaged the minimum online spending for free delivery. Since April, customers have had to pay £50 in order to have their shopping delievered to their homes for free.

Customers holding a delivery pass - priced at £7.50 monthly - had previously avoided delivery fees by spending £40 or more, but that threshold climbed by an additional £10.