Over 3,500 current and former store employees of Next PLC have won a significant legal battle for equal pay, with an employment tribunal ruling that female shop staff should not be paid less than their male warehouse counterparts. The tribunal found that Next failed to justify the pay disparity, which could result in over £30 million in back pay for the employees. Next has announced plans to appeal the ruling, arguing that the different pay rates reflect broader market conditions. However, legal representatives for the claimants stated this ruling serves as encouragement for workers in similar situations across various sectors. The victory underscores the ongoing issue of gender-based pay inequality, particularly in roles divided along gender lines. The compensation owed to the claimants will be assessed, with those involved in the initial claims set to receive back pay and contract equalization.