GMB, the union for Asda workers, has hailed a ‘massive victory’ as the Supreme Court recently ruled in favour of 40,000 workers. 

The ruling means shop floor staff at Asda can be compared to workers in the distribution centre for the purposes of their equal pay claim.  

An Asda spokesperson said: “This ruling relates to one stage of a complex case that is likely to take several years to reach a conclusion. We are defending these claims because the pay in our stores and distribution centres is the same for colleagues doing the same jobs regardless of their gender. Retail and distribution are very different sectors with their own distinct skill sets and pay rates. Asda has always paid colleagues the market rate in these sectors and we remain confident in our case.”

GMB has now called on Asda bosses to meet with them and discuss the next stage of shop workers’ compensation claim, which could run to £500 million. 

The ruling relates to Stage One of the Equal Value process and is not the conclusion of the case.

The second stage of the process will now consider whether store and distribution roles are of ‘equal value’. This could potentially be followed by a third stage in the process that would consider if there are any factors other than gender why the roles should not be paid equally.

Wendy Arundale, who worked for Asda for 32 years, said:  “I’m delighted that shop floor workers are one step closer to achieving equal pay.  

“I loved my job, but knowing that male colleagues working in distribution centres were being paid more left a bitter taste in my mouth.   

“It’s not much to ask to be paid an equal wage for work of equal value, and I’m glad that Supreme Court reached the same conclusion as all the other courts.”