Barnet to face London's first local authority equal pay claim, union says
GMB Union has launched legal proceedings on behalf of around 400 women working as school support staff at Barnet Council, in what the union says is the first local authority equal pay claim launched in London.
The GMB claims there are “structural pay differences” between members of staff working in roles staffed predominantly by women and those roles carried out mostly by men.
It notes that Barnet’s refuse staff, who are “overwhelmingly” men, currently receive a full day’s wages even if they complete their work early.
The GMB added: “Some roles within the council’s Refuse Department have also been paid a retention bonus, which school support staff have not received despite serious issues with retention in schools in London and across the country.”
The union reports that it has “attempted to settle the claim through negotiations”, but the council’s Head of HR has “refused” to meet since January.
If successful, members will be able to claim for up to six years' pay differential, as well as for the time it takes to settle the case, meaning the council could be liable for tens of millions of pounds, according to the GMB.
Beverley Gunning, GMB Barnet Branch Secretary, said: “It is shameful that we must take Barnet Council to court to make them do the right thing, but we will do whatever is necessary to fight for the money our members are owed after years of systemic gender pay discrimination.
“The work of school support staff is vital, and these members are already some of the council’s lowest paid staff.
“These loyal and committed workers deserve for Barnet to settle the full amount owed, set things right for the future, and issue an unreserved apology from the council.”
A spokesperson for Barnet Council said: "Barnet Council takes its equalities and equal pay responsibilities very seriously. We are always happy to meet with union colleagues. GMB is yet to set out which staff, at which grades, in which schools they believe have a claim. GMB has also overlooked that, while school staff in maintained schools are legally employed by the council, schools undertake their own recruitment, hold their own HR records, set their own recruitment and retention policies, and make local decisions about working practices.”
Lottie Winson
