Next wins appeal overturning court order on equal pay for shop staff

Next has secured a victory in its ongoing equal-pay litigation by having the employment appeal tribunal set aside a 2024 ruling that mandated equal basic pay for its shop and warehouse employees. Simon Wolfson, who heads the retailer, described the outcome as a landmark win on the basic-pay question, arguing that market and working-condition differences justify separate wage levels. The tribunal affirmed the lower court’s findings on night-time premiums, overtime, and paid rest breaks, but sent those matters back for reconsideration.

The dispute stems from a protracted case in which over 6,400 workers, predominantly female shop staff, challenged pay disparities with predominantly male warehouse crews. Leigh Day, representing the claimants, called the basic-pay decision “disappointing” and said it would appeal. Next maintains that the ruling protects its ability to set wages based on recruitment needs and market pressures.