A GROUP of current and former Tesco workers will meet at The Sun Inn, Reading for the start of an equal pay roadshow.

Tesco Action Group, which last year launched a potential multi billion pound claim against Tesco over equal pay, is championed by Pay Justice, the organisation dedicated to fighting for equality in the workplace, and leading campaigning law firm Harcus Sinclair UK Limited.

On Tuesday, March 12, the employees will meet at the pub in Castle Street.

They have been researching the potential value of claims in cities across the country and estimate that Tesco workers in the 39 stores within Reading's postal codes could be entitled to a total payout of nearly £35m.

The employees claim Tesco Stores Limited breached its duty to pay them equally in comparison to men employed in comparable roles.

The claim centres on store workers, who are predominantly women, who believe they have been paid up to £3 less per hour than warehouse and distribution centre workers, who are predominantly men.

More than 8,000 workers have already signed up to pursue their claims.

Christine Sepahi worked for Tesco for more than 25 years and sits on the Tesco Action Group committee.

She said: "Tesco is happy to make grand statements about its commitment to equality but clearly appears to value the work of men above that of women.

"It's a disgrace that this is happening in 21st century Britain and I urge employees old and new to stand up and fight against it on behalf of women everywhere."

Reading is the first location of the roadshow, which will come to The Sun Inn from 12.30-3pm tomorrow (March 11).

To find out more visit the website.