Sainsbury's staff at the Hitchin store and beyond will soon receive a pay rise, with the supermarket saying it wants to recognise its employees' efforts during the pandemic.

From March the hourly rate of pay for Sainsbury's and Argos store staff will increase to £9.50.

Currently, Sainsbury's staff are paid an hourly rate of £9.30 and Argos staff receive £9.00 per hour.

Frontline staff will also be rewarded with a 3 per cent bonus, which is worth £530 to a full-time worker, as a "one-off" in recognition of their service.

Sainsbury's says the pay rises and bonuses means staff around the country will be paid out more than £100 million in total.

It comes after the supermarket said it expected to report at least £330 million in pre-tax profits in the current financial year.

Clodagh Moriarty, Retail and Digital Director at Sainsbury's said: "In the last 12 months our frontline colleagues have shown outstanding commitment to our customers.

"In recognition of everything they have achieved, we are giving them a pay rise, plus an additional one-off payment.

"I feel so proud and humbled by the dedication our colleagues have shown day in, day out and would like to thank everyone for the part they have played in helping to feed the nation throughout an extraordinary year."