22/12/2009 - Equal pay update

Cumbria County Council has moved closer to resolving the long-running issue of equal pay claims made against the organisation.

In the last few weeks, nearly 1000 employees of the council attended equal pay signing days and 84% of all claimants and potential claimants have now settled their case.

Five sign up sessions across the county were organised for employees who had not lodged formal claims with the council but had been identified as entitled to a settlement offer. Employees were given the opportunity to discuss a potential settlement with representatives from ACAS, GMB and Unison officials before deciding if they wanted to accept and were able to take a cheque away on the day.

Staff across a range of jobs, including cooks, carers, cleaners, and school crossers, were invited to attend the sessions and 94% of those who received an invitation have now taken the council up on the offered money. 

A similar sign up day is planned for the New Year for those employees who were unable to attend the earlier events.

Councillor Liz Mallinson, Cabinet member for Organisational Development, said: "The equal pay signing days mark a significant step on the road to ensuring that all staff in these roles receive fair pay for past work. I’m pleased that attendance and acceptance at the sessions was so high and that so many cases have now been resolved."

Councillor Stewart Young, Deputy Leader of the Council and Leader of the Labour Group, said: "The whole council is committed to ensuring that all staff have been paid correctly and fairly. It’s great news that so many cases are now settled and we are now looking forward to getting as close to 100% sign up as possible."

Councillor Ian Stewart, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, said:

"There has been much uncertainty for many individuals involved in this process and I’m delighted that so many people have been able to resolve this issue before Christmas and the New Year."

Councillor Trevor Fee, Leader of the Independent Group, said: "The high turnout in these sessions demonstrates people’s keenness to resolve this long-running issue of equal pay and I’m happy that so many have now been able to collect the money their hard work has earned."

ENDS

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