Too Late To Make A Claim?
An employee of North Lanarkshire Councils has been in touch to ask: "Is it too late to make an equal pay claim?"
The answer is a resounding - NO!
Lots of people have ongoing claims - but the employers are not going to explain this to their employees - as it will cost the councils money.
So, why do so many people still have claims?
Because the councils are still protecting the higher pay of the traditional male groups - and while that pay gap continues, employees in female dominated jobs can submit a claim for equal pay - which covers the entire protection period of 3 years or more.
What about claims that challenge council Compromise Agreements?
Large numbers of people - in certain councils - are now challenging the validity of their Compromise Agreements.
On the basis that employees did not receive proper advice - and that lawyers selected, instructed and paid for by the council - could not sensibly claim to be 'independent', as was claimed by many employers at the time.
A single lawyer cannot act for both parties when it comes to buying and selling a house - nor can a single lawyer act for both a husband and wife in a divorce settlement.
In which case, how can it be fair that council appointed lawyers are seemingly capable of representing the interests of both employer and employee - when it comes to a Compromise Agreement?
So, going back to the original question - it's not too late to register a claim - and if you want to do so, ring Action 4 Equality Scotland on 0845 300 3 800 - or drop Mark Irvine an e-mail at: markirvine@compuserve.com
The answer is a resounding - NO!
Lots of people have ongoing claims - but the employers are not going to explain this to their employees - as it will cost the councils money.
So, why do so many people still have claims?
Because the councils are still protecting the higher pay of the traditional male groups - and while that pay gap continues, employees in female dominated jobs can submit a claim for equal pay - which covers the entire protection period of 3 years or more.
What about claims that challenge council Compromise Agreements?
Large numbers of people - in certain councils - are now challenging the validity of their Compromise Agreements.
On the basis that employees did not receive proper advice - and that lawyers selected, instructed and paid for by the council - could not sensibly claim to be 'independent', as was claimed by many employers at the time.
A single lawyer cannot act for both parties when it comes to buying and selling a house - nor can a single lawyer act for both a husband and wife in a divorce settlement.
In which case, how can it be fair that council appointed lawyers are seemingly capable of representing the interests of both employer and employee - when it comes to a Compromise Agreement?
So, going back to the original question - it's not too late to register a claim - and if you want to do so, ring Action 4 Equality Scotland on 0845 300 3 800 - or drop Mark Irvine an e-mail at: markirvine@compuserve.com
