NEXT

Next raised its full-year profit forecast by £12m to £1.26bn after warmer-than-expected summers drove a sales boost. Group sales were up 9% in the six months to July and pre-tax profits for the half-year rose 11% to £566m. Management credited both the hot weather and operational measures, including warehouse cost savings, but warned that rising inflation, mortgage costs and a weak jobs market pose risks. The group is deploying AI across the business while emphasising human-led fashion design. » More on theguardian.com

Next won an employment appeal overturning a 2024 decision that would have required it to equalise basic pay between shop and warehouse staff, with the tribunal accepting Next’s argument that higher warehouse rates are justified by market recruitment and retention pressures. The appeal did not succeed on several other points: the tribunal upheld findings that Next failed to justify lower night-time and overtime premiums and paid rest breaks for store workers, and rejected Next’s challenge to lower Sunday premiums. Those issues will return to the employment tribunal and the claimants intend to appeal the basic pay conclusion. Next says the judgment vindicates its pay practices and will seek permission to appeal remaining terms. » More on theguardian.com

The Employment Appeal Tribunal sided with Next in a pay-equality dispute and confirmed that different base salaries for store and warehouse employees are permissible due to market conditions. The court found the pay differences justified given differing recruitment and retention pressures and saw no direct sex discrimination. Next will seek permission to appeal over remaining disputed contractual terms, such as paid breaks. » More on de.investing.com