The chief executive of Sainsbury’s has called on the next prime minister to take urgent action to address rising energy costs, highlighting concerns over food inflation and its impact on consumers and businesses. Simon Roberts, who leads the UK’s second-largest grocery chain, reiterated the need for government engagement with the food industry to ease the burden of costs that have increased following the war in the Middle East.

Roberts emphasized that the food sector faces higher energy levies and regulatory costs compared to other heavy-use industries. “We would really want to see the government engaging on the key principle of reducing those levies and costs on energy that the food industry faces,” he said, noting that many other sectors do not bear similar charges.

As the UK prepares for a change in leadership, with Andy Burnham widely expected to become prime minister later this summer, Roberts urged that policies be introduced to foster consumer confidence and optimism. He also stressed the importance of supporting employment growth, particularly for young people. Youth unemployment in the UK has reached its highest level in a decade, with approximately 735,000 individuals aged 16 to 24 out of work between February and April 2026. Roberts highlighted that the retail and hospitality sectors have traditionally been key employers for young people, but increases in energy taxes and national insurance have constrained hiring.

Sainsbury’s, which employs around 140,000 people, reaffirmed its commitment to youth employment despite these challenges. Roberts called for a renewed government focus on growth, citing the growing regulatory costs facing the industry over the past few years.

Regarding food inflation, recent data showed a slight easing, with inflation rates falling to 2.4% in June and overall shop inflation steady at 1.2% year on year, according to figures from the British Retail Consortium. However, Roberts noted that uncertainty remains over how inflation will develop for the rest of the year. He mentioned the Food and Drink Federation’s earlier forecast of at least nine percent inflation by year-end but suggested actual figures may come in lower than expected.

Many of these inflationary pressures stem from global market disruptions, including the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which has affected both energy and fertilizer supplies. Roberts warned that inflationary pressures in the system influence consumer caution, stressing that preventing a sharper rise in inflation will be vital to maintaining shopper confidence going forward.