More support for councils to deliver equal pay promises

Local Government Minister John Healey has confirmed that the Government will continue to support councils to meet their equal pay obligations through a further equal pay capitalisation round in 2008-2009.

In September 2007, the Government allocated £500m of equal pay capitalisation directions to 46 authorities in England, giving them financial flexibility to make one-off back-payments to about a hundred thousand employees - mostly women.  

John Healey MP says:

"Councils are making real progress on implementing equal pay, and almost half have now completed or implemented their reviews.

"But progress and determination still varies in different areas, and I want many more authorities to tackle this in an active and affordable manner. It is only right that people benefit from their right to equal pay as quickly as possible.”

Dave Prentis, UNISON General Secretary said:

"Today's announcement is a welcome boost for low paid women workers in local government and shows clearly the commitment of Minister John Healey to the principles of equal and fair pay. It builds on the funds released last September to allow councils to deal with this long standing issue.

"UNISON is committed to eradicating unequal and unfair pay. We believe that collective bargaining, rather than lengthy court action, is the best way to ensure equal and fair pay for all. More councils will now have no excuses for not delivering equal pay for their workforce."