Care workers launch “major” equal pay claim against North East council

A group of care workers have lodged an equal pay claim against Sunderland City Council, arguing that they face discrimination on pensions and pay.

The campaign, launched by the GMB Union on Wednesday (13 September), is supporting up to 1,000 care workers who have been employed through Sunderland Care and Support, which is owned by the local authority.

The union claim the council has used the organisation to put a predominantly female workforce of carers on lower grades than those directly employed who do work of equal value, as well as deny them access to the Tyne & Wear Pension Scheme.

GMB revealed that it believes women workers are owed “hundreds of thousands of pounds”.

Kim Inglis, Sunderland GMB Rep, said: "Sunderland Council have been underpaying women care workers for years, and we are determined to end this injustice.

"As a care worker, me and my colleagues do vital work supporting vulnerable people. I'm proud to be leading this equal pay campaign and encourage all women who work for Sunderland Care and Support to join the GMB pay claim.

“We are owed wages for years of work. Our work isn’t worth less than men in comparable roles."

Inglis added: "I ask the people of Sunderland to support our campaign by standing with us, sign our petition, talk to your councillors, and write to your MP. Help us win pay justice." 

A spokesperson for Sunderland City Council said: “We can confirm we have been contacted by the GMB which says it has concerns about terms and conditions for staff working with Sunderland Care and Support.

“While we have yet to see full and further details on those concerns, we are very happy to sit down and talk through these matters and seek a resolution.”