This recognition acknowledges and celebrates the actions Sainsbury’s has taken to address gender inequality in the workplace – including our recently enhanced Family Leave Policy, our menopause pledge and focus, and our commitment to tackling abuse and discrimination.

We know that inequality at work remains a persistent problem in the UK, particularly with the increasing pressure of the pandemic and cost of living crisis. We are incredibly proud to have been recognised and are committed to being a truly inclusive retailer, where all of our colleagues can fulfil their potential.
The Times Top 50 Employers for Women is the UK’s most highly profiled and well-established listing of employers striving for gender equality in the workplace. Run by Business in the Community (BITC) - The Prince’s Responsible Business Network, and The Times for more than a decade, the incredibly competitive process identifies companies which make gender equality part of the way they do business, working to embed it at all levels.

Jim Brown, CEO of Sainsbury’s Bank and Board sponsor for Gender at Sainsbury’s, said: “We are delighted to be recognised for progressing gender equality in our workplace. At Sainsbury’s, diversity, inclusion and equity go hand in hand. Being an inclusive employer means creating an environment where our colleagues can thrive and where everyone is treated fairly and with respect. We must recognise and address the unique challenges that women face in the workplace, and at Sainsbury’s we will continue to be at the forefront of progress for women.”

Kerry Johnson, Chair of Inspire, Sainsbury’s gender balance colleague network, said: “From listening to our colleagues and understanding what we can do better to support them, we have made significant changes to how our female colleagues experience working at Sainsbury’s. We’re so proud that our progress on gender equality has been recognised, and we are continuously stretching our ambitions to go even further for our colleagues.”

Katy Neep, Gender Equality Director at Business in the Community, said: “The cost of living crisis following hot on the heels of the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 faced by women has further shone a light on how far we have to go on gender equality. Without action from all employers, we will end up chasing our tails while trying to eradicate the inequalities gap and create truly inclusive workplaces for all women. The Times Top 50 gives us hope that we are making strong progress in our goal towards gender equality and in our 40th year we call on all employers to be bolder, braver and faster in achieving that goal.

This year’s application process was the most competitive one we have ever seen. Employers like Sainsbury’s haven’t lifted their foot off the pedal when it comes to supporting women at work and they are a strong example of what commitment to making gender inequality a thing of the past looks like.”