Fife Council faces multi-million pound payout over equal pay

Fife Council faces a large payout to 1,400 female workers, after it reached an agreement with UNISON over backdated equal pay claims.

The value of the settlement has not yet been finalised, but Fife Council leader David Ross said there would be a “significant cost” to the council.

UNISON has said it expects for the total payout to run into millions.

RELATED CONTENT

Inverclyde Council joins Scottish Wide Area Network

Education Secretary hits back at criticism of university reform plans

Report shows women bear the brunt of welfare reform

“This a good day for low paid women workers and UNISON is proud to have been a part of it,” said Dougie Black, UNISON regional organiser for Fife.

The equal pay claims, some which date back to 2006, relate mainly to discrimination against lower-paid, female workers.

Included in the settlement is a commitment from the council to ensure there are no further discriminatory practices.

An equal pay agreement was signed by Fife Council in 2006 and implemented in 2007.

Council Leader David Ross said: “This has been a difficult time for everyone concerned.

“These claims have been ongoing for some considerable time and the legal processes involved have been complex.

“The fact that we have reached agreement without the need for legal proceedings has to be welcomed.”

Ross said comparisons would made between Fife and other local authorities who are dealing with equal pay claims, but the fact these hadn’t gone to court mean they can’t be compared to others.

The overall cost to the council will be published and reported to the council’s executive committee, but details of the financial agreements involved will remain confidential.

UNISON’s legal officer, Suzanne Craig, said members would get a letter outlining their individual settlement figure in due course.

Fife Council is already looking at a budget gap of £77m over the next three years.

Ross said the settlement would make the development of future budgets “even more challenging.”