Story perspectives

Next Appeal Fails on Higher Warehouse Worker Pay Rates

9/7/2026

Summary

Story summary

Next won an appeal to keep higher basic hourly rates for warehouse workers versus store staff.
The Employment Appeal Tribunal said market forces justified warehouse pay because of recruitment pressures.
Leigh Day partner Elizabeth George called the ruling disappointing and announced an appeal.
The tribunal upheld that Next failed to justify lower overtime and paid-rest-break rates.
Both the 2024 Employment Tribunal and the appeal panel found no direct sex discrimination.

History

Historical Context

The 1970 Equal Pay Act, introduced by the Labour government after the 1968 Ford sewing-machinists strike and enforced on 29 December 1975, incorporated the EU’s Article 119 principle when the UK joined the European Community in 1973. Next’s 2024 Employment Appeal Tribunal case tests that legacy by challenging warehouse overtime pay differentials.

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Story summary

Next won an appeal to keep higher basic hourly rates for warehouse workers versus store staff.
The Employment Appeal Tribunal said market forces justified warehouse pay because of recruitment pressures.
Leigh Day partner Elizabeth George called the ruling disappointing and announced an appeal.
The tribunal upheld that Next failed to justify lower overtime and paid-rest-break rates.
Both the 2024 Employment Tribunal and the appeal panel found no direct sex discrimination.

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