Laura Sharman 07 September 2017

A third of equal pay claims still not settled by Scottish councils

Councils in Scotland have spent £750m settling equal pay claims since 2004, with 27,000 claims still outstanding, a public spending watchdog has revealed.

The Accounts Commission has found many councils underestimated the challenges involved in implementing the Single Status Agreement (SSA), with 31 out of 32 authorities missing the deadline for implementation.

The report shows 70,000 equal pay claims have been lodged against councils since 2004, at a cost of around £750m. However, it added that there are nearly 27,000 outstanding claims and new ones could still be made.

Pauline Weetman, Commission member, said: ‘Equal pay is both an incredibly important issue and a legal duty for Scotland's councils, to eliminate decades of inequality. However, implementation of equal pay has been a substantial challenge for local government.

‘Councils need to be confident that pay equality is embedded in how they operate. It's critical that officers ensure that they're doing all they can to fulfil their duties in relation to equal pay and publicly report this work, and that elected members continue to scrutinise and challenge their progress.’

The Commission is calling for councils and elected members to ensure they asses the impact of organisational changes that may affect arrangements in future.

Thousands of council staff in Glasgow recently won their equal pay ruling.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Residential Assistant

Essex County Council
£25081.00 - £25395.00 per annum
Residential AssistantPermanent, Full Time£25,081 up to £25,395 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Senior Planning Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 11 £39,513 to £43,693 Grade 12 £42,708 to £46,731 per annum (Pay Award Pending)
Durham County Council is looking for experienced and knowledgeable Senior Planning Officers to join our vibrant Development Management team. Our team Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Head of Service – Social Care

Wrexham County Borough Council
G15 £63,148 - £67,058 per annum
There is an exciting opportunity within Children Social Care to join the senior management team Wrexham (Wrecsam)
Recuriter: Wrexham County Borough Council

Head of Service Social Work & Specialist Support

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council
Grade M scp 60 £72,118 - scp 64 £77,293
There couldn’t be a more exciting time to join us. Blackburn, Lancashire
Recuriter: Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council

Cafe Assistant - Weald Country Park

Essex County Council
Up to £13.3000 per hour
Café Assistant (Weald Country Park)Contract
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner