WORKERS at supermarket chain Asda demonstrated in Brighton and Manchester today in support of a court battle for equal pay for more than 60,000 staff.

GMB union launched, what is believed to be, the biggest ever equal pay claim seen in Britain's private sector.

The cost to Asda is expected to run into billions of pounds if the union succeeds.

GMB says Asda’s predominantly female retail workforce are paid up to £3.74 an hour less than the mainly male warehouse workforce — but that their work is of equal value.

Asda argues that its rates of pay are not based on gender.

The demonstrations were staged at the annual conference of the TUC in Brighton and in Manchester where the case opened at an employment tribunal.

In Brighton, GMB was proposing a motion on equal pay at the TUC conference.

GMB national officer Nadine Houghton said: “Asda workers are making history. 

“The result of this hearing will call time on the retailers undervaluing their predominantly women shop floor workers.  

“The entire retail sector has been built on the structural undervaluing of women’s work — but GMB members are changing this.” 

An Asda spokesperson said: “We fully respect the right of current and former colleagues to bring this case, however, we strongly reject any claim that Asda’s pay rates are influenced by gender.”

The employment tribunal hearing, which is expected to last three months, is the latest step in a 10-year legal fight for equal pay by Asda retail workers.