Claimant v Wm Morrison Supermarkets plc

Outcome

Facts

This is a large-scale equal pay claim brought by numerous retail store workers at Morrison's supermarkets (café, deli, checkout, and petrol station roles) comparing their work to that of distribution centre operatives. This was the third tranche of a stage 2 equal value hearing focused on determining the factual basis for comparison. The tribunal heard detailed evidence about the job roles of four lead claimants (Ms Tucker, Mrs Williams, Ms Hoyle, Mrs Gage) and one lead comparator (Mr Rowe), resolving numerous factual disputes about job descriptions, supervision, tasks, responsibilities, and working conditions. Evidence came from 13 witnesses and covered matters such as cooking and food safety in café roles, staffing reductions, customer service, handling cash, merchandising, health and safety, technical equipment operation, and performance management.

Decision

The tribunal resolved the detailed factual disputes relating to the job descriptions of the lead claimants and comparator. The tribunal's findings on each disputed paragraph of the job descriptions are set out in five annexes. The tribunal generally preferred the claimants' evidence where credible and supported, finding that they were experienced employees better placed to describe what they actually did day-to-day. The tribunal concluded the fact-finding stage and directed that Independent Experts (appointed by ACAS) must now prepare their report assessing equal value. No final determination has yet been made on whether the claims succeed or fail.

Practical note