Equal pay settlements for female council workers pass £1bn

GMB union says 30,000 claims settled with six local councils for average of 30,000 and expects 10,000 more in 2026

Equal pay settlements for female workers at local councils have passed the 1bn mark, with thousands more expected next year.

Legal claims have been brought against local councils on behalf of people in female-dominated roles, such as cleaners or carers, who for years have been denied the conditions and benefits given to employees in traditionally male-dominated jobs.