Union says it will launch equal pay claims against five more councils after reaching £1bn in settlements

The move comes after GMB said it has now secured more than £1 billion in equal pay for its members following campaigns. 

Settled claims include those against Glasgow (£770m), Birmingham (£250m) and Sheffield (£60m).

GMB added that some 40,000 claims remain outstanding across 28 local authorities.

Rhea Wolfson, GMB Head of Industrial Relations, said: “Fifty years on from the equal pay act, it should be a source of national shame we have to make these claims. 

“But it’s amazing to know more than £1 billion pounds will now be paid to the women who are owed it – including around £250 million confirmed to Birmingham women just before Christmas. 

“Employers need to take note in 2026 – wherever GMB sees women being underpaid compared to men, in the public or private sector; we are coming for you.”