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Sainsbury's launched a new £13.23 rule from March in a major boost for its staff. The groceries giant, which has 600 supermarkets and over 850 convenience stores across the country, previously announced it would be introducing an above-inflation pay increase of 5% for hourly paid workers last month.

Hourly pay has risen to £13.23 per hour nationally, whilst in London it's been upped to £14.54 per hour. Sainsbury's says it has increased pay by 42% in the last five years. Joanne Thomas, General Secretary of retail trade union Usdaw welcomed the move when it was confirmed on January 29. "Usdaw has a longstanding and valued relationship with Sainsbury's and we welcome today's announcement of an above inflation pay rise," she said at the time.

"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 chief executive Simon Roberts said: "Our colleagues are at the heart of our business. Their hard work and brilliant planning have driven our strong momentum and helped us win grocery market share growth for the sixth consecutive Christmas period.

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

It comes as rivals also boosted workers' pay this year to retain and attract staff as cost-of-living pressures continue to bite.

From April 1, Store Assistants working at Aldi's UK branches began getting £13.50 per hour nationally, with those working inside in the M25 getting £14.88.

These pay rates rise to £14.47 and £15.20 respectively based on length of service. Aldi says the change will benefit 28,000 hourly-paid store workers, and says its new rates are higher those of its competitors.

Meanwhile, from March 1, Lidl also increased hourly pay for store assistants outside London to £13.45, a rate that rises to £14.00 depending on length of service.

In London, entry-level store workers have seen their pay upped to £14.80 per hour, while the hourly rate for experienced staff can rise up to £15.35.