Around 4,000 women are due to receive equal wage payouts after North Lanarkshire Council confirmed it had settled a series of long running claims.

An agreement welcomed by the town hall, Fox and Partners, Action 4 Equality and trade union Unison means settlement offers are likely to be sent out in April.

The news follows months of negotiations, with a timetable now agreed to bring this latest litigation to a close in the near future.

Councils across the country were urged to similarly evaluate male and female jobs and launch discussions on equal pay.

Cllr Jim McCabe, leader of North Lanarkshire Council, said: "I have fought all of my life for equality and that is why I instructed officials to enter negotiations last year with a view to settling claims where that was appropriate.

‘I am pleased that this issue - which has been complex and challenging for all concerned - can now be dealt with.’

John Mooney of Unison said: ‘This is really good news for women who work at the council - providing valued public services to local people. Being recognised and valued helps us to the work we do. So it's good for us, good for the council and good for the people we serve.

‘We are grateful to everyone involved for getting this sorted, it's been a long process.’

Stefan Cross QC of Action 4 Equality (Scotland) Ltd said: ‘I am pleased that settlement has been agreed. This summer sees the 10th anniversary of equal pay cases in Scotland. It is now time for all councils to follow the lead of North Lanarkshire and enter into constructive discussions.’

Carol Fox of Fox and Partners added: ‘I am really delighted that the council have agreed settlement. This means that we can bring the 2nd wave litigation to an end. We have also secured agreement from the council that further evaluations of male and female jobs will be undertaken to avoid the need for any further litigation.

‘It has not been easy but I am pleased to have made our contribution to advancing equality in North Lanarkshire. It is also helpful that we have worked cooperatively with the local unions.’