Brighton & Hove Council Responds To GMB Over Unequal Pay Claims

Brighton & Hove City Council has responded to allegations made by GMB Union that female staff are being paid less than men in 'equivalent jobs' at the council.

The GMB union wrote to Brighton and Hove City Council on Monday (June 10) requesting negotiations around equal pay claims that could affect thousands of women. 

The claims – which could be worth tens of millions of pounds – cover roles right across the council and reference issues dating back several years, which could have 'significantly impacted women and their families'. 

GMB alleges that the council has been made fully aware of the problems, but has taken no action to compensate. 

Lib Whitifeld, GMB Senior Organiser, said: 

 “For years this low paid, predominantly women worker force has been paid less than those in male dominated jobs - jobs rated equivalent under the council’s own job evaluation scheme. 

“The money stolen from our members has a significant impact on their day to day lives; they’ve struggled to pay their bills and forced to work longer hours rather than being with their families. 

“This council is responsible for not only the loss of pay, but the stolen time and quality of life of these workers. 

“They must now settle with all members the full amount, set things right for the future and issue a unreserved apology for this appalling discrimination” 

"GMB, as the only union leading on equal pay in Brighton, will hold this council to account for every single penny of stolen wages owed to our members.” 

In response to the allegation, Brighton & Hove City Council has asked the GMB union to provide details of its claims.

The council says it has a positive approach to industrial relations and will always engage constructively with its recognised Trade Unions if issues are raised. 

The council says GMB has not yet provided them with any detail in relation to yesterday’s press release about potential equal pay issues they claim exist. 

The council also says it is not aware of GMB raising any equal pay issues previously.

Chief executive Jess Gibbons said:

“As an employer that is proud of our commitment to fairness, inclusion and equalities, we take these allegations by the GMB very seriously, and want the information from the GMB.

“We‘ve requested the detail of the GMBs claims since we were contacted by the GMB and the media yesterday morning, but none have been received.

“We will proactively work with both UNISON and the GMB on any issues, if and when they are raised, as we always do."

The council also says it’s been working hard to reset relations with the GMB after the damning King's Counsel report into the culture at Cityclean, the council’s waste and recycling service, which implicated the local GMB branch.

Ms Gibbons added:

“We're working hard to embed a culture of openness, respect and collaboration, particularly in light of KC Aileen McColgan’s report. 

"We want to work proactively with both our recognised Trade Unions so issues can be raised and so we can seek early resolution.”