An employment tribunal has ruled that a group of women employees in Asda stores can compare themselves to higher paid men working in the retailer’s distribution centres. The decision means 7,000 store workers can proceed with their claims for equal pay against Asda in the UK’s largest ever private sector equal pay claim.
Lawyers, Leigh Day, are representing the current and former supermarket workers, who argue that they have been paid less than others within the organisation, despite carrying out roles of equal value. According to the law firm, Asda tried to stop the claims from proceeding in the employment tribunal, arguing that they should be heard in the High Court. If successful, the claims against Asda could see workers recovering over £100 million dating back to 2002.
Lauren Lougheed in the employment team at Leigh Day said:
‘This is a dramatic victory for the workers we represent. Asda tried to argue that because the shops and distribution centres were in different locations, with different pay arrangements, that Asda could pay the men what they like.’
However, the tribunal found that the company could have made sure there was equal pay between men and women, but chose not to do so. Leigh Day claims the judgment in the Asda case will have far-reaching implications for other supermarket equal pay claims, including one on behalf of around 400 Sainsbury’s workers in a similar situation.