Next wins a major equal-pay appeal, while some employment claims remain unresolved

Next reported on 7 September 2026 that the Employment Appeal Tribunal upheld its appeal concerning differences in basic pay between retail and warehouse employees.

What the company says the ruling covers

According to Next's announcement, the tribunal accepted its justification based on market conditions and recruitment and retention needs. The employees' cross-appeal alleging direct sex discrimination was dismissed.

However, the announcement says findings concerning certain other employment terms, including paid rest breaks, were not overturned. Next intends to seek permission to appeal those matters.

What this changes

The decision is a significant development in the company's equal-pay litigation, but the remaining issues make it premature to describe the entire dispute as concluded.

Today's release does not quantify a provision reversal, cash saving or earnings upgrade. The next financial statements and any subsequent court decisions will be needed to establish the accounting and cash consequences.

This post summarises the company's account of the judgment; its description of the outcome should be distinguished from a separate review of the full court decision.

Source: Company announcement, 7 September 2026.