One-thousand shop workers are now taking part in a legal claim filed against Tesco over equal pay, which could see the British retail giant paying out £4 billion.
The Guardian has reported that law firm Leigh Day filed a further 900 claims with the British employment tribunal on behalf of employees, in addition to the initial 100 claimants, which was first reported by the publication in February.
Pay Disparity
Seventy-five percent of the group of claimants are female, and say they make up to £3 less than the majority-male Tesco warehouse workers in similar roles.
The claim asserts that warehouse staff earn roughly £8.50 to more than £11 per hour, while shop assistants earn about £8 per hour in basic pay. This wage gap creates a pay disparity of £5,000 per year or more.
The claim could affect up to 200,000 shop floor employees, which could result in Tesco paying up to £20,000 per staff member for at least six year of back-pay, according to The Guardian.
Paula Lee, one of the lawyers at Leigh Day involved with the Tesco claim, commented, "We’ve had an incredible response to the announcement of this legal action.
"Many proud members of staff have realised that this claim is not anti-Tesco, but it is to ensure that the work done in stores and distribution centres is recognised as being of equal value; not the same work, but work of equal value. And that they should be paid the same as their colleagues in distribution.
"The concept of ‘women’s work’ is an outdated approach to employment from the middle of the last century which needs to be corrected."
Tesco To Defend The Claim
A Tesco spokesperson said that the retailer could not comment on ongoing legal matters, but said the company would defend the claim.
"Tesco has always been a place for people to get on in their careers, regardless of their gender, background or education, and we work hard to make sure all our colleagues are paid fairly and equally for the jobs they do," the spokesperson said, according to the publication.
This week, the retailer announced that Charles Wilson will step down from his role as chief executive of Tesco’s UK & Ireland business on 16 July, following a cancer diagnosis.
© 2018 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Karen Henderson. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: European Supermarket Magazine.
