500 council workers in 'equal pay' claims

Rotherham Council has already paid out more than 4 million in compensation to workers who qualified under new equal pay legislation.

It has set aside another 2.5 million to meet other ongoing claims from its workers.

Among those affected are dinner ladies and lollipop wardens, some of whom could be due to thousands of pounds because of the change of rules.

Many women have been underpaid for years because they never received bonuses paid to men - a breach of equal pay rules.

Today it was revealed 520 people have still to face industrial tribunal hearings in respect of their claims for compensation. The hearings are expected to be held next February.

And the council is already admitting it could be facing a ‘considerable’ compensation bill if the workers’ claims are upheld.

But it says it is trying to minimise the financial cost to the authority by negotiating with workers.

Earlier this month Rotherham was told it would get a share of 500 million in government funding to help it meet its equal pay compensation bill.

It is one of 46 local councils - another is neighbouring Sheffield - to get the cash to help it meet its expected payout.

The money, announced after the Labour Party conference, has been welcomed by union Unison which has been spearheading the equal pay campaign.

A spokesman said: “It clearly demonstrates a commitment towards the principles of equal pay and to listening and acting on issues of concern to trade unions and our one million women members.”