Thousands of Tesco store workers are fighting for equal pay because they earn less than workers in the company’s distribution centres – despite doing work of equivalent value. They believe this pay gap is unfair and are taking legal action to challenge it. But how much compensation could store workers get if the Tesco equal pay claim is successful?
How will the compensation be calculated in the Tesco equal pay claim?
The potential compensation for Tesco store workers is based on several key factors, including:
- The pay difference: Lawyers argue Tesco store workers (predominantly women) are paid up to £3 less per hour than their counterparts in distribution centres (predominantly men). If the claim is successful, compensation would reflect this discrepancy.
- Length of employment: Under UK law, claimants in England & Wales can recover up to six years of back pay. So, employees who have worked for Tesco for a longer period could be entitled to a more substantial payout. Some Tesco store workers may have been underpaid by as much as £30,000 each.
If you have multiple supermarket equal pay claims, you could be due even more compensation
Have you worked at more than one supermarket? If so, you might be eligible to join multiple equal pay claims. For example, if you worked at Tesco and then moved to Morrisons, you could potentially make claims against both employers.
Find out more about the supermarket equal pay claims here.
Estimated compensation figures
Based on previous equal pay cases and industry estimates, Tesco store workers could receive up to £5,000 in back pay, depending on their length of service and the pay gap amount. Some estimates suggest that compensation could be even higher for long-serving employees.
For example:
- A worker who has been employed for six years or more could be eligible for £10,000 or more in back pay.
- Those who have worked at Tesco for a shorter period, such as two to three years, might be entitled to £3,000.
Given that over 50,000 Tesco workers could be eligible to claim, the total compensation bill for Tesco could reach billions of pounds if the case succeeds.
Have similar claims succeeded before?
Yes, in 2024, over 3,500 current and former Next employees won an equal pay tribunal, securing back pay potentially exceeding £30 million. This precedent suggests the Tesco equal pay claim has a strong legal foundation.
When will claimants receive their compensation?
Equal pay claims are complex and can take several years to resolve. However, a recent decision in 2023 allowed the claim to move to a final hearing, bringing a potential resolution closer. If the claim succeeds, Tesco will be required to compensate affected store workers for past underpayments. But to get the back pay due to you, you must make a claim.
How can Tesco store workers claim their compensation?
Current and former Tesco employees are using legal firms specialising in equal pay cases to claim the compensation they are due. Many of these firms operate on a no-win, no-fee basis, meaning claimants do not have to pay upfront legal costs.
To start a no-win, no-fee Tesco equal pay claim:
- Check your eligibility: Our simple eligibility checker provides instant clarity. Answer a few straightforward questions and you’ll know if you could qualify for a Tesco equal pay claim.
- Meet your match: If eligible, and you want to join the claim, use our online portal to register. We’ll connect you with expert lawyers pursuing a claim against Tesco.
- Let the experts fight for you: Once we’ve passed your information to the expert lawyers, they’ll look after your claim on a no-win-no-fee basis.
With estimated payouts ranging from £5,000 + per claimant, Tesco store workers should join the claim to secure fair pay for their work.
