A CALL TO ACTION FOR STORE WORKERS
Closing the Equal Pay Gap
On 20th November, Equal Pay Day, we face a stark reality: this is the day when, due to the gender pay gap, women in the UK effectively stop being paid compared to men for the rest of the year. Despite decades of progress, this discrimination remains a pressing issue, with women still facing inequality in pay for equal work. A recent survey by Harcus Parker reveals how widespread these inequalities remain, with nearly half of UK employees believing it’s common for men to be paid more than women for similar roles. For many, this is not a mere perception but a lived experience.
The Unequal Landscape of Pay in Supermarkets
In the supermarket sector, the challenges around equal pay are stark. In-store staff at Asda, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, and Tesco, many of whom are women, often earn up to £3 less per hour than their warehouse counterparts, despite performing tasks that require equal skill, effort, and commitment. Retail roles, a sector largely populated by women, have some of the most significant differences in pay. This disparity means that, many women are working year after year without earning the same as their male counterparts in warehouse jobs, even when the work requires a similar level of skill.
According to Christine Sepahi, a former Tesco employee involved in the equal pay claim, “This pay gap wasn’t just unfair on paper—it had real consequences.” Christine, like many other store workers, juggled multiple duties, from stocking shelves to assisting customers and managing heavy lifting. We say she was unlawfully underpaid for this work. This pay gap wasn’t just a number—it affected people’s lives and livelihoods.
The Lasting Financial Impact
The effects of the gender pay gap extend well beyond the pay packet. Lower lifetime earnings often result in significantly smaller pension pots for women, affecting their financial security in retirement. Many female supermarket workers who dedicated years to their jobs end up with less to show for it in retirement simply because they were paid less throughout their careers. This long-term impact makes the fight for equal pay even more critical, as it highlights how gendered wage disparities affect financial wellbeing over a lifetime.
The Role of Legal Action in Driving Change
Although progress has been slow, collective legal action has emerged as a crucial force in challenging employers and bringing pay inequalities to light. The equal pay claims against ASDA, Morrisons, Tesco, and Sainsbury’s are part of a growing movement for fair pay. Legal actions like these offer a powerful tool for holding employers accountable and pressing for change, sending a strong message that all workers deserve fair compensation, regardless of where or how they work.
At Harcus Parker, we are committed to supporting employees in their fight for equal pay and helping them stand up for their rights.
Stand Up for Your Right to Equal Pay
Equal pay should not be an aspiration but a standard. If you work or have worked at Asda, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, or Tesco and believe you deserve fair pay for your role, consider joining the equal pay claim. By coming together, we strengthen the call for justice and show that all work, regardless of where it’s done, holds value.
Join the claim today and take a stand for fair pay. Your voice matters, and by joining, you’re joining thousands of your colleagues and contributing to a movement that seeks equality for all supermarket workers. Let’s close the gap together.
