Hundreds of low-paid staff at Southampton City Council, most of them women, are to benefit from an equal pay settlement, following an agreement negotiated by unions.
After lengthy negotiations, UNISON, Unite and GMB have agreed a settlement with the local authority on behalf of around 800 social care, administrative, school and housing staff.
For years, the workers had been paid less than waste and refuse collectors, despite doing jobs that were just as important and demanding, the unions argued.
In January 2024, Southampton City Council ended the use of ‘task and finish’, a practice previously offered by many councils in England. This saw mainly male refuse collection staff allowed to leave work once their daily rounds were completed. But the benefit was not available to other council employees on the same grades elsewhere, who had fixed start and finish times.
As a result of the equal pay settlement, eligible council workers will now be offered payments to resolve their claims.
UNISON regional organiser Louise Barter said: “This is a victory for fairness and equality. For too long, women working in critical roles were paid less than male colleagues on the same grades.
“The staff involved stood together and, by challenging this practice, thousands of women across the council will finally receive the pay they are due.”
Unite regional officer Richard White said: “We’re pleased to bring these complicated negotiations to a good conclusion for members and staff across Southampton City Council.”
GMB regional organiser Charlotte Gardner said: “GMB members, mainly working women, will receive significant settlements. This is pay that would have allowed them to work fewer hours, spend more time with their children, take their families on holiday or not worry about paying their bills.
“GMB is pleased Southampton City Council has worked with the unions to bring this matter to a close and ensure the workers receive the money they are owed. We urge other councils to do the same.”
Notes to editors:
– The council workers affected are mainly on grades 5 to 9 of the local government national pay bands.
Media contacts:
Louise Barter M: 07985 118869 E: l.barter@unison.co.uk
Richard White M: 07808 322005 E: Richard.White@unitetheunion.org
GMB media team M: 07958 156846 E: press.office@gmb.org.uk
