More than £1 billion won for women in equal pay cases this year, union reveals
More than £1 billion has been raised by women workers this year following successful equal pay campaigns led by a leading union.
The GMB union found that hundreds of thousands of women working in council roles such as care, cleaning and catering have historically faced lower grades or lower terms and conditions than male-dominated positions such as refuse collection, despite the jobs being of equal value.
These payments represent money owed to thousands of people who have been underpaid for years compared to their male counterparts.
However, the fight for fair pay continues; GMB estimates there are still around 40,000 compensation claims pending in 28 local authorities, amounting to hundreds of millions of pounds.
Another 10,000 new applications are expected to be launched throughout this year.
Rhea Wolfson, GMB’s head of industrial relations, said: “It should be a national shame that, fifty years on from the Equal Pay Act, we have to make these claims.
“But it is surprising to know that more than £1bn will now be paid to women who are in debt.
“Employers need to watch out in 2026; wherever GMB sees women being underpaid compared to men in the public or private sector, we are coming for you.”
