ASDA lost its latest court fight against its own workers today in a longstanding dispute over equal pay.

The supermarket giant recently challenged a ruling by an employment tribunal that said the store’s retail jobs are comparable with those in their distribution centres.

The workers argued that they should be paid the same amount of money as those working in the depots, which caused objection from the company’s owners.

However, senior judges dismissed the appeal and ruled in favour of the overwhelmingly female retail workers.

Appeal judge Lord Justice Underhill ruled that Asda must apply “common terms and conditions” for both retail and distribution workers and refused the company’s appeal to the Supreme Court.

A further court judgement on whether retail and distribution work is of equal value will be judged in May.

Linda Wong from Leigh Day solicitors, acting on behalf of the workers, urged Asda’s owners to “lead the change for those hard-working store staff who are their workers and the public face of Asda.”

The GMB union, which organises Asda workers, welcomed the court’s verdict.

General secretary Tim Roache said: “We’ll always pursue justice and equality for our members and this decision is undoubtedly the right one.

“We know we’re not all the way there, there are more hurdles to jump in this process.

“As always, we remain ready to negotiate should Asda want to get around the table.”

In a statement, Asda said it was “disappointed” by the decision.