Midlothian Council - Update
Midlothian Council is up to its old tricks again – trying to encourage people to give up their equal pay claims - but this time as management prepare to introduce a new pay and grading structure – with the catchy title of: “Modernising Midlothian”.
Our advice is not to touch their settlement offer with a bargepole – here are 10 good reasons why.
1 The offer is not properly explained
2 Peoples’ claims are based on the pay difference with their male comparator – i.e. another predominantly male job within Midlothian such as a refuse worker or gardener.
3 The council knows what the difference in pay is – but is not telling people.
4 Why? Because it doesn’t want people to know how big the pay gap really is.
5 So, people are being offered a sum which is worth much less than the real value of their equal pay claims.
6 If the council dispute this – why don’t they just explain their calculations?
7 The offer covers the period from 1 April 2001 to the implementation date of the new pay and grading structure – but many people have claims that go back to the year 2000.
8 The offer stops on the implementation date of the new pay and grading structure – but everyone has an ongoing claim – because the council is going to protect the higher pay of the men – for another three years at least.
9 Tax and national insurance has been deducted from the offer – at a fixed rate which is not explained – but many part-time workers are being cheated – since they don’t pay tax or pay much tax.
10 People are being asked to give up their claim without knowing what’s round the corner – i.e. the outcome of the pay and grading review - which is deliberate on the council’s part.
So, all things considered – our advice is to hold out for a better and fairer settlement – the council is hoping to grind people down – but we are now entering a crucial period as the council tries to implement its new pay and grading structures.
Now is not the time to give up – or give into them!
Our advice is not to touch their settlement offer with a bargepole – here are 10 good reasons why.
1 The offer is not properly explained
2 Peoples’ claims are based on the pay difference with their male comparator – i.e. another predominantly male job within Midlothian such as a refuse worker or gardener.
3 The council knows what the difference in pay is – but is not telling people.
4 Why? Because it doesn’t want people to know how big the pay gap really is.
5 So, people are being offered a sum which is worth much less than the real value of their equal pay claims.
6 If the council dispute this – why don’t they just explain their calculations?
7 The offer covers the period from 1 April 2001 to the implementation date of the new pay and grading structure – but many people have claims that go back to the year 2000.
8 The offer stops on the implementation date of the new pay and grading structure – but everyone has an ongoing claim – because the council is going to protect the higher pay of the men – for another three years at least.
9 Tax and national insurance has been deducted from the offer – at a fixed rate which is not explained – but many part-time workers are being cheated – since they don’t pay tax or pay much tax.
10 People are being asked to give up their claim without knowing what’s round the corner – i.e. the outcome of the pay and grading review - which is deliberate on the council’s part.
So, all things considered – our advice is to hold out for a better and fairer settlement – the council is hoping to grind people down – but we are now entering a crucial period as the council tries to implement its new pay and grading structures.
Now is not the time to give up – or give into them!
