MORRISONS NEXT IN LINE TO FACE EQUAL PAY CLAIM UP TO £1BN

12 September 2018

Morrisons has become the latest supermarket chain to come under fire regarding equal pay, which could result in the well-established company facing up to £1 billion worth of fines.

The London-based law firm, Leigh Day announced their intentions to submit a claim with the employment tribunal for eight of Morrison’s employees - mainly female - who are under the impression that they are being paid far less than employees located in Morrison’s warehouses, who are mostly male.

The law firm confirmed that their estimates of £1 billion stem from the additional employees who may potentially make a claim. As Morrisons currently has around 80,000 staff working in stores, who may have experience equal pay discrimination and will want to bring a claim against the retailer.

Leigh Day is also currently supporting 30,000 staff members from other top retailers including: Tesco, Asda, and Sainsburys. They have also experienced equal pay discrimination.

There is evidence to show that the warehouses are predominantly male staffed, in comparison to predominately female staffed stores, where they are being paid considerably less.

Emma Satyamurti, a Partner at Leigh Day discussed the reasons for bringing claims against Morrisons, stating:

“This legal action is being taken forward 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 those working on the shop floor should be paid the same as their colleagues in distribution.”

Leigh Day confirmed that they have contacted Morrisons via letter, regarding equal pay information.

Morrisons responded to the news, although did not confirm anything regarding court proceedings:

“We are not aware of any court proceedings issued by a third party. We have received a letter asking us a number of questions about our pay policies. Our aim is to pay our colleagues fairly and equally for the job that they, irrespective of their gender.”

Emma Satyamurti commented on this response, stating:

 “The big four supermarkets in the UK make vast amounts each year in profits – it is time they faced up to their legal obligations under equal pay legislation.”

Here at Three Graces Legal we can help you with equal pay claims.

Please contact us on 0151 659 1070 to see how we may be of assistance.