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Pay at Sainsbury’s

Do Sainsbury’s pay breaks?

No. People don’t get paid breaks at Sainsbury’s.

Supermarkets who pay breaks include Aldi, Southern Co-op and Co-op Food.

Last updated 18 January, 2022

How we know this

Based on 2,149 job reviews from people who work at Sainsbury’s.

87% of people say they don’t get paid breaks

Why this matters

A good job should have paid breaks.

You should be paid for all your time at work, whether you’re on a break or not.

  1. Sainsbury’s
    6.4
Overview Pay Staff discount Reviews Jobs

More about pay at Sainsbury’s

Which supermarkets pay breaks?

  1. Aldi Breaks are paid
    6.8
  2. Southern Co-op Breaks are paid
    6.1
  3. Co-op Food Breaks are paid
    6.0
  4. Costcutter Breaks are paid
    5.7
  5. SuperValu Breaks are paid
    4.8
  6. Farmfoods Breaks are paid
    4.8

What people are saying about sick pay at Sainsbury’s

  • Best thing

    Good pay and easy

    Worst thing

    Terrible breaks. Only 20 minutes for a 6 hour shift or 30 minutes for 8 hour, isn’t fair

    5.3

    Sainsbury’s Employee, December 2021

  • Best thing

    Colleagues
    Discount
    Working hours

    Worst thing

    Working hours
    Breaks
    Responsibilitys

    4.5

    Sainsbury’s Employee, December 2021

  • Best thing

    Colleagues are very nice, uniform is comfy and warm, the rest area is nice.

    Worst thing

    Managers do not ensure people are wearing masks and following covid rules correctly. If you have a health condition they are extremely strict and not understanding, I'd been in critical care in hospital and there was no compassion - as I'm on probation, they have told me they are unlikely to keep me due to my absences when my contract is ready to be renewed. Breaks are not paid, I work a 10hr night shift and get 45 mins of break. Temporary staff aren't treated well and get zero benefits, definitely treated as throw-aways and disposable. Targets for night staff are impossible to meet, understaffed to begin with then twice/three times as much stock to put out in the run up to Christmas.

    2.3

    Sainsbury’s Employee, December 2021

  • Best thing

    The vibe and the atmosphere between colleagues and managers, recognition and appreciation for hard work and any extra hours worked, great balance between getting things done, no pressure and having fun, more likely to progress (convenience store)

    Worst thing

    Don’t get paid breaks, they don’t cover your travel expenses if you have to travel to another store. Break allowance is a bit stingy, e.g a 45 minute break for a 10 hour nightshift. (In a supermarket) it’s just about money, you come in, clock in, do what your supposed to do then leave, get paid, repeat. You get treated like a machine rather than a person, they expect the maximum from you and give the bare minimum in return (money) no appreciation or recognition for your hard work so no motivation or progression.

    5.8

    Sainsbury’s Employee, November 2021

  • Best thing

    Pay, can sign up for a lot of overtime if there is some.

    Worst thing

    Removed payed breaks, changed Christmas overtime

    9.3

    Sainsbury’s Customer assistant, November 2020