Glasgow council’s long-running equal pay dispute has finally come to an end as councillors formally approve a multi-million pound compensation deal for claimants.

Last month, the council and the equal pay claimant group represented by Action4Equality, UNISON, GMB and UNITE reached an agreement in principle on a package of payments worth at least £500m.

The council’s city administration committee backed the deal that will see workers receive details of their individual entitlements over the next few months.

They also agreed a strategy to fund the £500m settlement which will include using some of the city’s property assets to be used to unlock loans.

‘A year ago, we began negotiations and, today, the council formally agreed a plan to pay women at Glasgow City Council what they are owed,’ said council leader Susan Aitken.

‘That starts to put right a wrong that has damaged the council, its workforce and the city for too long.

‘I want to thank the women for their determination; their dedication to the city and its people, and for trusting me to deliver what they have always deserved.’

Mary Dawson, Unison Glasgow branch chair, said: ‘This is an important step in a long campaign for equal pay for women and men working in Glasgow City Council.

‘The agreement will represent compensation for the pay lost due to a discriminatory pay and grading system in place for over 12 years.

‘Unison pays tribute to our members’ determination to take strike action, their courage and strength which has finally paid off and strong, united campaign supported by all the claimant groups which helped achieve this victory.’