William Eichler 28 October 2015

Fife Council reaches multi-million pound equal pay settlement

Fife Council has reached a multi-million pound equal pay settlement with 1,400 low paid, predominantly female workers.

Women working in the public sector have, historically, been paid less than their male counterparts for doing comparable jobs, and so in recent years equal pay measures have been brought in to remedy this.

The Scottish council managed to reach the settlement with its workers, some of whose claims went back to 2006, without the need for court action.

Fife Council leader David Ross described his council’s agreement as in the best interests of all concerned.

He said: ‘The fact that we have reached agreement without the need for legal proceedings has to be welcomed. There will no doubt be comparisons between Fife and other local authorities who are also dealing with equal pay claims. However it’s important to note that no two cases are the same and the fact that we haven’t had to go through a court process means Fife’s outcome cannot be compared to others.’

The final figures of the settlement have not been agreed yet, but cllr Ross points out that it will put an added strain on an already tight budget.

‘Set against the existing budget gap of £77m over three years,’ he said, ‘this will make the development of our future budgets even more challenging.’

There have been a number of court cases and settlements in recent years, with substantial sums of money being paid out. In a landmark case, Birmingham City Council was hit by a bill of over £1bn in equal pay claims and was forced to sell the NEC Group in order to pay for it.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Victims Development Officer (Violence Against Women)

Royal Borough of Greenwich
PO1 - £39,855 - £42,324
We need a versatile and enthusiastic officer to improve services for victims of VAWG and modern slavery. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Community Facilitator level 1

Royal Borough of Greenwich
Scale 5 - £31,524 to £32,931
We are seeking to fill a number of roles to help us deliver our new vision for Health and Adults Services (HAS) Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Personal Advisors

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£38,934 - £40,755
This is a rewarding, challenging and essential role, in our support of young people Leaving Care. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

School Crossing Patrol Officer - Ivy Chimneys School

Essex County Council
Up to £13.00 per hour
School Crossing Patrol Officer - Ivy Chimneys SchoolPermanent, Part Time£13.00 per hourLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Director - Corporate Services

Teignbridge District Council
£93,688 - £100,549 per annum
Develop your career with a forward-thinking authority based in an attractive part of South Devon. Newton Abbot, Devon
Recuriter: Teignbridge District Council
Linkedin Banner