WM Morrison Supermarkets plc and Safeway Stores Ltd

Case Numbers: 1811283/2018 and others 1 EMPLOYMENT TRIBUNALS Claimants Respondents Ms A Abdar and others 1. Wm Morrison Supermarkets plc 2. Safeway Stores Ltd STAGE 2 HEARING (3) Heard at: Leeds and CVP On: 25 -27 November 2024 (reading), 28, 29 November, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 December 2024 and (deliberations) 16, 17 December 2024, 6, 7, 9 January 2025 Before: Employment Judge Davies Mr M Brewer Ms S Scott Appearances For the Claimants: 1. Ms K Monaghan KC and Mr Z Ansari (counsel) for the Roscoe Reid group of Claimants 2. Ms N Ling (counsel) for the Leigh Day group of Claimants For the Respondents: Mr D Reade KC, Mr A Sugarman, Mr A Edge Independent Experts: Mr J Dews and Ms K Gilbert (by CVP) RESERVED JUDGMENT 1. The facts relating to the question whether the Claimants’ work is of equal value to that of the comparators, in relation to lead Claimants Ms A Tucker, Mrs S Williams, Ms S Hoyle and Mrs L Gage and lead comparator Mr A Rowe, are set out in the five annexes to this judgment. Case Numbers: 1811283/2018 and others 2 REASONS 1. Introduction, issues and findings 1.1 These are equal pay claims brought by a large number of Claimants who work in the Respondents’ retail stores who say that their work is of equal value to the work performed by Comparators in the Respondents’ distribution centres. This was the third tranche of the stage 2 equal value hearing to determine the facts relating to the question whether the Claimants’ work is of equal value to that of the Comparators. 1.2 There are four groups of Claimants, all legally represented. The Roscoe Reid and Leigh Day groups took an active part in the hearing. Some legal representatives attended the hearing by CVP. The two Independent Experts appointed by ACAS also attended the hearing by CVP. 1....