Workplace Report June 2001

Features: Pay News

Saturday working at TJ Hughes

A 3% pay rise from 1 April for staff at retailer TJ Hughes was accompanied by a change to Saturday premium payments.

When a Saturday is actually worked at single time, an additional payment of 16p per hour will now be made for all hours worked at single time in that wages' week. This was introduced last October and applies equally to full- and part-time workers. Paid holiday, including bank holiday will now be included in the calculation, applicable to those aged 19 and over. The new hourly rate at age 18 and over for selling, clerical and stockroom staff is just over £4.46.

Last year it was agreed that staff who work in stores that trade on Sundays throughout the year are guaranteed the opportunity of working a minimum of six Sundays each year (now defined as April to March, pro-rata for part-year employees, leavers during the year excluded from the pro-rata).

Other changes this year included a reduction in service required to qualify for 20% staff discount from three to two years, with new permanent employees granted a 15% discount card at one month's service (or at £250 gross earnings if this is later than one month's service).