Equal pay claims against some of the UK’s biggest supermarkets have been running for years, with thousands of workers arguing that store-based roles have been paid less than higher-paid warehouse and distribution centre roles despite being of equal value.
Most people know about the claims involving their current or former employer. But fewer realise that if they’ve worked for more than one supermarket, they may be affected by more than one equal pay claim.
Why could there be more than one claim?
Equal pay claims are brought against individual employers.
That means a claim against Tesco is separate from a claim against Asda, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s or the Co-op. Each claim is based on that employer’s pay practices and employment arrangements.
If you’ve worked for more than one supermarket facing an equal pay claim, it may be possible for your circumstances to be considered separately for each employer.
For example, someone who worked for Tesco before moving to Morrisons may potentially be affected by claims involving both supermarkets.
Which supermarkets are facing equal pay claims?
Equal pay claims have been brought against several major UK supermarkets, including:
While the details vary between cases, the central argument is similar. Workers bringing the claims argue that store-based roles are of equal value to higher-paid warehouse and distribution centre roles and should therefore attract equal pay.
The supermarkets dispute these claims and each case is being decided on its own facts.
Why are these claims important?
The claims have become some of the largest employment cases in UK legal history. They have also helped raise awareness of how equal pay law works.
Contrary to popular belief, equal pay is not just about people doing identical jobs. Different roles can still qualify for equal pay if they are found to be of equal value.
That principle was reinforced by the landmark Next equal pay case, where thousands of store workers successfully argued that their roles were of equal value to warehouse jobs.
While every case is different, the ruling has been closely watched by lawyers and workers involved in ongoing supermarket litigation.
Could you be affected?
You may want to explore your options if:
- You currently work in a supermarket store that is facing an equal pay claim
- You previously worked in a supermarket store that is facing an equal pay claim
- You have worked for more than one supermarket involved in equal pay litigation
- You believe your role may have been paid less than higher-paid warehouse or distribution centre roles.
Whether you are eligible will depend on your individual circumstances, including where you worked, when you worked there and the role you performed.
If you think you may be affected, it may be worth finding out whether an existing claim is already underway.
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.
