Thousands of Asda workers have secured a major legal victory in their long-running equal pay battle, bringing them closer to a potential £1.2billion compensation payout.
A Manchester employment tribunal ruled that 12 out of 14 lead claimants—part of a 60,000-strong group, mostly women—were carrying out work of equal value to their male counterparts in Asda’s warehouses, despite being paid up to £3.74 per hour less.
Landmark Case for Supermarket Workers
The ruling is a significant step in the decade-long legal battle, which could have widespread implications across the supermarket industry. Similar cases are being pursued against other major retailers, with the total potential compensation across the sector estimated at £8bn.
The tribunal found that checkout operators and shop floor staff—working in departments such as bakery, produce, chilled foods, customer services, and clothing—performed work of equal value to at least one warehouse role. However, it ruled that online shopping packers and store workers handling only packaged or tinned groceries did not meet the same criteria. These roles, accounting for around 11,000 claimants, were excluded from the latest ruling, though the GMB union is considering an appeal on their behalf.
Call for Settlement Talks
The GMB union welcomed the ruling but urged Asda to engage in talks rather than prolong legal proceedings. Nadine Houghton, a national officer for the union, described the decision as a “historic step towards securing equal pay justice” but expressed disappointment for those who may now face an appeal. She called on Asda to “stop wasting time and money dragging this case through the courts and get round the table with us to agree a settlement.”
The legal battle, backed by law firm Leigh Day, has been ongoing since 2014. The final stage requires Asda to provide a justification—unrelated to gender—for the pay disparity between shop and warehouse staff.
Asda’s Response
A spokesperson for Asda defended the company’s pay structure, stating: “We strongly reject any claim that Asda’s pay rates are discriminatory. Retail and distribution are two different industry sectors with their own market rates and distinct pay structures.”
The case will now proceed to the next stage as Asda seeks to defend its pay policies, while campaigners continue to push for equal pay settlements across the supermarket sector.
For more updates on the ongoing equal pay battle and its impact on the retail industry, keep following London Pulse News.
