Knowsley Council said it ‘fully supports’ the principles of equal pay and is engaged in ongoing discussions with trade unions
Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)
Knowsley Council faces equal pay claims which could amount to tens of millions of pounds, according to the GMB Union, which said the claim focuses on the local authority’s “task and finish” system, allowing employees in “male dominated jobs” to leave work once tasks are completed.
Knowsley Council said it “fully supports” the principles of equal pay and is engaged in ongoing discussions with trade unions. However, GMB released statement earlier today (October 10) calling on the local authority to engage with the issues raised and deliver “pay justice”.
The GMB statement claimed there are more than 1,000 workers employed by Knowsley Council in “female dominated” roles, who may have been paid less than their male counterparts, despite carrying out work rated as of equal value.
The statement read: “The claim focuses on Knowsley Council’s ‘task and finish’ system, which allows employees in male dominated jobs to leave work once tasks are completed.
Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)
“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.”
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.”
Michael Clark, GMB senior organiser, added: “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.”