Tesco faces claims worth billions for gender equality

A SUPERMARKET giant could be facing an equal pay claim worth billions.
Tesco Extra in Fratton. 
Picture: César Moreno HuertaTesco Extra in Fratton. 
Picture: César Moreno Huerta
Tesco Extra in Fratton. Picture: César Moreno Huerta

Tesco could be facing an equal pay claim worth up to a record £4bn – adding fuel to the growing issue of gender equality in the workplace.

The claim has the potential to be the highest value case of pay discrimination the UK has ever seen, consisting of up to 200,000 female store workers in line for payouts as high as £20,000.

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In the week of celebration for the 100-year anniversary since women were given the vote, it was that revealed that there have been complaints from almost 100 Tesco staff up and down the country.

These complaints were concerning allegations that store assistants have been paid £3 an hour less than male warehouse counterparts, for what complainants consider to be the same role.

Legal firm Verisona Law believes that this could be the start of something even bigger.

Head of employment Sue Ball said: ‘The issue that needs to be proved is that working in a supermarket store is the same as working in its warehouse.

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‘It could be argued that the former is more social, varied and prestigious, whereas the latter is more isolated, repetitive and less respected.

‘While store assistants work with tills, scanners and stack shelves, those in the warehouse could operate vehicles, heavy machinery and carry boxes of goods.’

‘Proving the similarities between these roles, and assessing their comparative worth to the company is going to result in lengthy, demanding and complex arguments.

I don’t envy the individuals who will be sitting in judgement.’

‘One thing is for sure, should any of the complaints against these supermarkets be upheld, it will result in a whirlwind that could seriously, if not fatally, wound retail companies across the UK.’