British fashion retailer Next is facing accusations of significant gender-based pay disparities between its predominantly female shop assistants and its predominantly male warehouse employees. Reports suggest that shop staff may have been paid 24% less than their warehouse counterparts.
Equal pay lawyers argue that the work performed by shop floor assistants is equivalent to that in Next’s warehouses, warranting equal compensation for both groups. Lawyers have launched group action claims to help recover wages for Next store workers. Joining these claims could potentially result in thousands of pounds in backpay for eligible employees.
The legal bit
Under the Equality Act 2010, UK law, employees should receive equal pay for comparable work, regardless of gender. Legal experts have initiated group action claims to rectify the alleged disparities and secure backpay for affected Next store workers.
Successful claimants in the lawsuit against Next could be owed approximately £6,000 each in backpay. This compensation aims to address the alleged underpayment of shop assistants compared to warehouse employees.
Addressing unequal pay practices at Next is crucial. Not only for the affected employees but also for promoting fairness and equality in the workplace. By helping to hold companies accountable for gender-based pay disparities, lawyers aim to create a work environment where all employees receive equitable compensation for their contributions.
Join the Claim connects consumers with SRA-regulated lawyers. Visit the claim page to check your eligibility if a claim is open with one of our trusted legal partners. If a group action has not yet been launched, you can register your interest and we’ll keep you informed if a partner firm decides to take a claim forward.
