Equal Pay Claims and Compensation

The Equal Pay Act 1970 sets out the right to equal pay for men and women for work of equal value.

However, in the UK women still earn less on average than men in the same jobs.

The laws unfortunately are not as clear cut as they seem, but if you think you have an equal pay claim it is worth pursuing.

It must be shown that a person of the opposite sex, known as the comparator, is employed in the same or similar establishment, in the same role, yet earns a different wage or has different terms of employment.

There are several different types of equal pay claims that can be made, depending on the exact circumstances.

Equal Pay Compensation

To be awarded equal pay compensation, each term in the contracts is compared along with the duties of the role.

Employers must show that the variation in pay is genuinely due to a material difference which is not the difference of sex if they are to uphold their case for different pay levels. To be accepted, reasons must be “significant and relevant” to the role.

Applications for equal pay compensation must be made within six months less one day of the termination of any employment contract.

Back pay and interest may also be given.

Can I make an equal pay claim?

If you think you are entitled to equal pay compensation, get in touch for professional guidance.