Union brings equal pay claims against Yorkshire council

The claim mirrors similar actions launched by the union in other parts of the country, including recent legal proceedings against Barnet Council.

The claimants are all current or former employees in traditionally “female-dominated roles” such as learning support assistants, clerical workers, and cooks.

According to the GMB, despite the jobs being of equal value or graded similarly under the council’s Single Status Job Evaluation Scheme, some predominately male areas in the council are paid significantly more due to “enhanced terms and conditions” – including a wide range of bonuses and pay enhancements not made available to the claimants. 

Therefore, the union contends these differences have led to “significantly higher” hourly earnings for the male comparators, and amount to pay discrimination. 

The union claimed that attempts were made to settle the matter informally but the council “failed to engage meaningfully”.

Desiree Johnston, GMB North East Yorkshire & Humber Senior Organiser, said: “It’s a disgrace that in 2025, women working in some of the most undervalued roles are still being paid less than men in equivalent jobs. Bradford Council has known about these structural inequalities for years and done nothing, and when raised recently with the council the response was ‘we don’t agree that there is a problem’.     

“Our members are not asking for special treatment, just fair treatment. These are loyal, hardworking staff who have supported vital council services for years. They deserve better. GMB will continue fighting until our members get the justice they’re owed.” 

Ryan Bradshaw, partner at Leigh Day, said: “This case highlights the enduring inequality within local authority pay structures. Our clients, many of whom have spent years in underpaid roles, are seeking what the law entitles them to: equal pay for equal work. We hope Bradford Council will take this opportunity to resolve the issue without prolonged litigation and spending of finite resources on avoidable legal expenses." 

If the claims succeed, the council could be liable for millions of pounds in back pay and pension contributions. 

A Bradford Council spokesperson said: "People are at the heart of what we do in Bradford, and our commitment to equality and inclusion is a big part of that. We have well established procedures for discussing many matters with the trade unions and we continue in discussion with them to understand any issues their members may have.”

Lottie Winson