More than 500 staff launch equal pay claim at unitary council

The claim, estimated to be worth millions of pounds, centres on differences in pay between refuse workers and jobs traditionally carried out by women, including teaching assistants, catering staff and care workers, the union said.

Successful claimants could recover up to six years of back pay, according to the union.

Tristan Chard, GMB Organiser, claimed women working at the council had been “short-changed”, adding: “More than 500 workers have already joined our collective claim, but we believe hundreds more could still be eligible.

“Every council worker is entitled to fair pay. We’re urging anyone who may be affected to come forward, check their eligibility and join the campaign. By standing together, we’ll fight to recover every penny owed to our members.”

A spokesperson for Kirklees Council said the local authority is committed to working with its staff and trade unions on all employment matters “and we remain committed to approaching conversations in a spirit of cooperation and with the aim of finding a fair and sustainable way forward”.

They added: “As the matter is now subject to a formal legal process, it would not be appropriate to comment in detail on the specifics of the claims at this stage. However, we remain committed to engaging positively with our trade union colleagues and will provide further updates when it is appropriate to do so.”

Adam Carey