A recent Freedom of Information Request (FOI) has revealed that Derby City Council has spent £1,575,967 in legal fees defending itself against approximately 200 mostly female workers who claim they were paid less than men.
Whilst most local authorities have agreed memorandums with UNISON to save costs and settle en-masse, Derby City Council have now spent more money defending the claims than UNISON’s solicitors say it would cost to settle all the claims outright – with the figure likely to increase in the run up to and during a future tribunal.
UNISON Derby City branch secretary Becky Everett said: “As a claimant myself, I can tell you how hard me and my colleagues worked to deliver front line public services while being paid less than men doing the same work.
“Claimants have died waiting for the Council to pay them what they’re owed. We just want the council to recognise their historic unequal pay, do the right thing and settle this now.”
UNISON East Midlands regional organiser Emma Roberts said: “Derby City Council’s defence is one that has failed a tribunal test before, and a significant amount of public money will be wasted on these indefensible claims – money that is already in short supply because of brutal cuts to local government funding.
“I would welcome any meaningful discussion with the Council to get this sorted.”