BUSINESSES across Ludlow and south Shropshire are being warned they risk paying out thousands of pounds following an Employment Tribunal ruling involving Asda.

The alert comes from employment lawyer Sally Morris, a partner at Ludlow law firm mfg Solicitors who has spoken out following the tribunal case, which has ruled that Asda may have to adjust the pay of 130,000 shop floor staff, with 14 years’ back pay for 7,000 workers, which could cost the retailer an estimated £100 million.

The case centres on a dispute involving female supermarket staff who compared themselves with higher-paid male workers in distribution centres.

In the coming months Asda, who ‘strongly dispute’ the claims, will be called to a further hearing to determine whether the jobs are of equal value.

“This is the biggest-ever equal pay case in the private sector and it’s already having far-reaching implications with 400 Sainsbury’s workers bringing a similar claim,” said Sally Morris.

“Workers here in Ludlow could easily follow and the case will open the floodgates for women in workplaces if they are able to clearly demonstrate they were not given equal pay for equal work.”

She is advising businesses in any doubt to check that their employment policies regarding equal pay are compliant with the law.