UK: clothing retailer Next allowed on appeal to pay warehouse workers more than store staff

The news. On 7 September 2026, the Employment Appeal Tribunal ruled in favour of clothing chain Next, which pays warehouse staff more than store staff. At first instance, the Leeds tribunal had upheld the claims of more than 3,500 claimants, predominantly women, who considered themselves discriminated against by being paid less than predominantly male warehouse staff. However, Next had its appeal dismissed regarding differences in treatment between the two categories of employees concerning nig