Sainsbury’s is set to introduce controversial facial recognition technology across its UK shops, beginning with a trial in two initial locations.

The UK’s second largest supermarket chain has informed staff that an eight-week pilot will commence, with the potential for a nationwide rollout.

The retailer states the technology is part of its strategy to identify shoplifters and combat a significant rise in retail crime.

However, the use of facial recognition has drawn heavy criticism from privacy groups, particularly after rival Asda faced thousands of complaints over a similar trial earlier this year.

Bosses at Sainsbury’s, which operates over 1,400 stores nationwide, have clarified that the initiative is "not about monitoring colleagues" or customers.

The technology will be deplo

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