Local authorities slow to tackle gender pay inequality

The GMB general union has published research showing that fewer than one in five local authorities has implemented provisions in the single status agreement that will eradicate pay inequality.

The survey of 56 local authorities found that, while more than half have at least got the process under way, 27% have done nothing at all, six years after the agreement was made.

Where the agreement has led to the implementation of pay and grading reviews, these have often resulted in pay rises. For example, 50% of home carers have received an improvement in pay, and one-third of social workers have been upgraded, as a result of reviews.

Mick Graham, GMB National Secretary for Public Services, pointed out that the Local Government Pay Commission report has drawn attention to the obstacles, including lack of funds, blocking the implementation of grading and pay reviews.

Graham said: "The Commission was very clear: gender pay inequality has no place in local government. It is the responsibility of local government employers to tackle it, to ensure that they have the high-quality workforce necessary to deliver high-quality services."