Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Workers win in equal pay dispute as UK Supreme Court dismisses Asda appeal

WORKERS at Britain's Asda supermarkets won a key victory on Friday (26) in a long-running dispute over equal pay, with the UK's top court ruling they can compare themselves to staff at the group's distribution centres.

Law firm Leigh Day is representing 44,000 current and former Asda shop floor workers in an equal pay claim against Britain's third largest supermarket group, in what is seen as a test case ahead of similar cases against the UK's other big supermarket groups.


Asda appealed to the Supreme Court against a Court of Appeal judgement in 2019 that lower-paid store staff, who are mostly women, could compare themselves with more highly paid distribution centre workers, who are mostly men, in pay claims.

That ruling followed defeats for Asda in the Employment Tribunal and Employment Appeals Tribunal.

The Supreme Court's ruling on Friday only relates to the first part of the Asda workers' claim and a full legal process could last several years.

For overall victory the workers also need a ruling that the different jobs are of equal value. A third stage in the process would then consider if there are any factors other than gender why the roles should not be paid equally.

"The Supreme Court’s dismissal of the appeal (by Asda) does not mean that the claimants’ claims for equal pay succeed," the Supreme Court said.

"At this stage all that has been determined is that they can use terms and conditions of employment enjoyed by the distribution employees as a valid comparison."

The GMB union hailed a 'massive victory' for workers but Asda said it would fight on.

"We remain confident in our case," Asda said in a statement.

It argues that retail and distribution are two different industry sectors and it pays workers the market rates for these sectors.

Britain's other big supermarket retailers face similar equal pay claims.

Leigh Day is representing 45,000 current and former shop floor staff at Britain's five biggest supermarket groups – market leader Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda Morrisons and the Co-op - in equal pay cases. Most are from Asda.

The law firm's total estimate of the groups' potential liability is £8 billion ($11bn). Between them Britain's top four grocers employ nearly 800,000 workers.

Last month Mohsin and Zuber Issa and private equity company TDR Capital completed their purchase of a majority holding in Asda from US giant Walmart.

Asda declined to comment on who would be liable for any future payout in the workers' case.

More For You

‘All options on the table’ as Britain
prepares for likelihood of US tariffs

Sir Keir Starmer with Jonathan Reynolds

‘All options on the table’ as Britain prepares for likelihood of US tariffs

BRITAIN is likely to be hit by US tariffs despite making “rapid progress” over a trade deal with Washington, prime minister Sir Keir Starmer said on Tuesday (1).

He spoke as US trading partners around the world braced for an expected fresh raft of tariffs from president Donald Trump, in addition to levies already imposed on steel and those set to take effect this week on cars.

Keep ReadingShow less
single-use vapes-iStock

Analysis by Material Focus estimates that 8.2 million vapes are discarded or littered each week in the UK—equivalent to 13 every second. (Representational image: iStock)

iStock

Shops told to clear single-use vapes before ban starts on June 1

SHOPS across the UK have until 1 June 2025 to sell off remaining stocks of single-use vapes before a nationwide ban comes into force.

The legislation, confirmed last year, follows a government consultation that showed strong support for restricting their sale and supply.

Keep ReadingShow less
Primark-London-Getty

During his 15-year tenure, Marchant expanded Primark’s store network to more than 450 locations across 17 countries in Europe and the United States. (Photo: Reuters)

Primark chief Paul Marchant steps down after misconduct probe

PAUL MARCHANT, the head of fashion retailer Primark, has resigned with immediate effect after admitting to an "error of judgment" in his behaviour towards a woman in a social setting.

Associated British Foods (AB Foods), Primark's parent company, announced his resignation on Monday.

Keep ReadingShow less
Jaguar’s bold gamble: Can it woo young, wealthy drivers with a £123k EV?

Jaguar’s bold gamble: Can it woo young, wealthy drivers with a £123k EV?

JAGUAR’S ambition to seduce younger, richer drivers was on full display in Paris with a presentation of its newest prototype, the Type 00, which promises all-electric luxury... at a steep price.

The low-slung, muscular-looking concept car presented to European reporters last Friday (21) prefigures a production model expected mid-2026 at a base cost of €150,000 (£123,472.8).

Keep ReadingShow less
Starmer-Trump-Getty

Trump has suggested the possibility of a 'great' trade deal that could help the UK mitigate the impact of tariffs he has pledged to introduce. (Photo: Getty Images)

Starmer, Trump talk trade deal progress in 'productive' discussion

KEIR STARMER and Donald Trump spoke on Sunday about ongoing UK-US trade negotiations, with Downing Street describing the talks as "productive."

Since leaving the European Union, the UK has been working to secure a trade agreement with the United States. Successive British governments have pursued a deal, but it has remained elusive.

Keep ReadingShow less