A multi-million pound raft of legal claims over sex discrimination have been dropped by Birmingham City Council workers without explanation.

Employment tribunal records show 146 claims were dismissed after being withdrawn by the claimants.

No reason for the U-turn was given and it is not known whether financial settlements have been made by the council.

The council would only say: 'We cannot comment on employee matters'.

The move follows a troubled history in the city over equal pay claims.

In the last decade alone it has paid out £1.1bn in compensation and the council says it has been forced to sell off major assets including the National Exhibition Centre to find the money.