Knowsley Council faces equal pay claims which could amount to tens of millions of pounds, GMB Union has warned.
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 Knowsley councils ‘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.
The pay difference could be as much as £6 an hour in many cases, with claims potentially going back six years.
GMB is calling on Knowsley Council to acknowledge the issue and reach a fair settlement with our members.
This is the latest in GMB’s national equal pay campaign, which has already seen almost 30 claims across the UK and hundreds of millions of pounds won for women workers.
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.”
