Supermarkets in the UK, including the Co-op, are facing equal pay legal actions. Lawsuits allege that certain roles traditionally held by women are undervalued by the Co-op compared to roles typically held by men. Lawyers want to rectify pay disparities and ensure fair compensation for all employees.
The fight for equal pay at the Co-op supermarket
Equal pay in the UK is controlled by the Equality Act 2010. The legislation commands that men and women should receive equal pay for equal work.
Despite this legal framework, inequalities have persisted in many sectors, including retail. Historically, roles such as checkout operators, predominantly held by women, have been paid less than roles like warehouse workers or drivers, which are often held by men.
In response to these disparities, consumer-champion law firms have started legal actions against several leading supermarkets, including the Co-op. If successful, these legal challenges should significantly change how wages are structured within these organisations.
- Legal action and pay rises. Store employees such as checkout operators could see their pay rise. Supermarkets could be forced to ensure store workers are paid the same as those in roles historically held by men (e.g. warehouse workers).
- Legal action and backpay. Backpay refers to the difference between what an employee was paid and what they would have been paid had they been on the correct (higher) pay rate all along. If the Co-op equal pay claims are successful, affected employees may be entitled to backpay for the period during which they were underpaid.
Claiming backpay
Ensuring equal pay is not just about rectifying past injustices; it’s also about setting a fair precedent for future pay practices. But while a pay rise resulting from an equal pay claim would apply to all affected employees going forward, claiming backpay will likely require Co-op employees to pursue legal claims. At Join the Claim, we unite individuals with law firms to make sure they get everything they are due.
Not sure if you’re eligible for a Co-op equal pay claim?
Our simple online tool can help you determine if you qualify for an equal pay claim. Just answer a few straightforward questions and you’ll know in minutes if you could have a Co-op equal pay claim.
If you are eligible, register your interest with us. We’ll connect you with a UK law firm that specialises in equal pay claims.
