Tesco equal pay - Sarah's story (anonymous)

Sarah joined the equal pay claim around two years ago after learning that distribution workers are paid more, despite the physically demanding nature of her role.

Sarah is also an unpaid carer for two children with autism and says her working hours are essential to her family life, leaving her feeling unable to move on from the role. 

She said: 

“The job is cold, painful and physically exhausting. Although Tesco provides some protective clothing, I’ve had to buy my own gloves and heated gloves because what’s provided just isn’t enough, and I don’t have the same thermal protection that warehouse freezer staff receive. At Christmas, there are often just two of us running the department with no extra staff, and you can be standing in the freezer for long periods consolidating heavy cages and stock just to make space for deliveries. It takes weeks to recover from the physical and mental stress. 

“I’ve now been diagnosed with arthritis in my hands and knees and Raynaud’s syndrome, and the cold working environment has clearly taken a toll on my body. I feel stuck – I need the hours I work to care for my children, but if I push Occupational Health again, I risk being moved onto shorter or unsuitable contracts. So, I put up with the pain and keep quiet. I don’t think it’s right that warehouse workers are paid more - without shop workers, everything would grind to a halt. Our work affects our health, and we deserve to be valued and paid equally.”