Next overturns equal pay ruling that raised basic wages for shop staff
Summary
The UK retailer Next won an appeal against a court ruling that required it to pay shop workers the same higher basic wages as warehouse staff under equal pay laws. The company argued that warehouse jobs need higher pay due to harder recruitment conditions, while the pay differences for night shifts and overtime remain under dispute.Key Facts
- Next overturned a 2024 court decision that said shop staff must get the same basic pay as warehouse workers.
- The case involves more than 6,400 Next employees claiming unequal pay since 2012.
- About 78% of shop staff are women, while 53% of warehouse staff are men.
- Next said warehouse workers get higher pay to meet market demand and keep staff.
- The appeal tribunal rejected Next’s challenge on lower night-time, overtime pay, and unpaid rest breaks for shop workers.
- The tribunal also said the issue of lower Sunday pay for shop workers still needs to be decided.
- Next warned the equal pay ruling could harm the business and put them at a disadvantage compared to competitors who outsource warehouse work.
- The workers’ law firm plans to appeal the decision on basic pay.
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