Birmingham City Council Settles Equal Pay Claims

Birmingham City Council has reached a historic agreement to settle equal pay claims affecting 6,000 predominantly female workers, admitting to past sex discrimination. The settlement, expected to be between £300 million and £400 million, follows a campaign led by the GMB and Unison unions, marking a significant victory for those underpaid. The final payout amount is considerably higher than previous offers made in 2021 and aims to address equal pay liabilities that had previously pushed the council into effective bankruptcy. Council Leader John Cotton noted that this agreement is the start of a new era of improved industrial relations, emphasizing trust and collaboration with unions. The full terms of the settlement remain confidential, with formal approval anticipated at an upcoming cabinet meeting. Union leaders hailed this outcome as a crucial step toward pay justice for women employed by the council.