North West council faces equal pay claims which could amount to “tens of millions”, union warns

According to the union, more than 1,000 workers employed by the local authority in female dominated roles may have been paid less than their male counterparts for years, despite carrying out work rated as “of equal value”.

The claim focuses on the council’s ‘task and finish’ system, which allows employees in male dominated jobs to leave work once tasks are completed.

However, workers in female dominated equivalent roles are not permitted to do this and are required to remain until the end of their shift.

GMB said the pay difference could be as much as £6 an hour in many cases, with claims potentially going back six years.

It is therefore calling on the council to “acknowledge the issue” and reach a “fair settlement” with its members.

Michael Clark, GMB Senior Organiser, said: “Our members in other services across Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council can’t simply leave work early.

“They are required to stay until the end of their shift, even when colleagues in male-dominated roles are allowed to clock off once the task is completed.

That’s not just unfair — it could be unlawful.

“GMB is calling on Knowsley to engage with us in good faith and deliver the pay justice these women workers deserve.”

A Knowsley Council spokesperson said: “The Council fully supports the principles of equal pay and officers have been engaging with Trade Unions, including GMB, over this issue which is affecting councils across the country.

“We are awaiting details of the claim which GMB will be making on behalf of their members so that we can understand the position.”

News of the claims against Knowsley come in the same week that Birmingham City Council settled long-running equal pay litigation with the GMB and Unison unions.

Lottie Winson