Workers at luxury fashion retailer Net-a-Porter are set to vote on potential strike action after the company was accused of breaking a pledge to pay the London Living Wage.

More than 100 staff at the retailer’s Charlton warehouse will take part in a ballot organised by the GMB union following a dispute over pay.

The union claims Net-a-Porter committed to paying the London Living Wage in 2021 but has since proposed a lower rate for its lowest-paid employees.

Under the current offer, warehouse workers would receive £14.41 per hour, according to the GMB.

The dispute comes as the online luxury retailer – known for selling high-value fashion items including a £9,000 handbag, £14,000 dress and a £158,000 necklace – recently concluded a redundancy process.

During that process, the union claims some employees who volunteered for redundancy were refused on the grounds that they were considered too valuable to the business.

GMB regional organiser Craig Prickett criticised the pay proposal, arguing it does not reflect the cost of living in the capital.

“For a luxury fashion brand serving wealthy customers around the world, it is simply unacceptable that the people doing the work are struggling to make ends meet in London,” he said.

“Workers are already dealing with rising costs and increasing workloads following the recent restructuring.

“Instead of recognising their contribution, the company has offered a pay proposal that keeps wages well below what is needed to live in London.

“GMB members do not want to take strike action, but they deserve fairness, respect and a wage that reflects the cost of their lives in the capital.”

The ballot result will determine whether warehouse workers move forward with industrial action.

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