Next shop workers win six-year battle for equal pay in landmark case

Chain may have to foot 30m bill after tribunal hears firm paid 3,500 sales staff lower hourly wage than warehouse workers

Shop workers at Next have won a six-year legal fight for equal pay in a landmark case that could force the retailer to pay more than 30m in compensation and bolster similar claims lodged against the big UK supermarkets.

The employment tribunal ruling will benefit 3,540 claimants, who accused Next of paying its retail sales staff - who are overwhelmingly female - lower hourly wages than its warehouse workers, the majority of which are male.