The landmark equal pay case against Asda, involving over 60,000 predominantly female retail workers, has commenced amid demonstrations in Brighton and Manchester. The GMB union argues that these workers are paid up to £3.74 less per hour than their male counterparts in warehouses, claiming that retail work is of equal value. This case, touted as the largest private sector equal pay claim, is expected to last three months and could potentially cost Asda over £1.2 billion in back pay if successful. Asda has denied gender-based pay discrepancies, asserting that retail and warehouse jobs have distinct skill sets and pay structures. The outcome of this case may influence similar equal pay claims across the retail sector, which has historically faced criticism for gender pay gaps. Nadine Houghton of the GMB emphasized that this case represents a significant step in addressing the undervaluation of women's work in retail.