Awkward Questions
A reader has sent in a press cutting about equal pay in West Dunbartonshire Council.
Apparently a recent council report revealed a huge pay gap in the pay for young apprentices undertaking different roles.
A first year administration apprentice (i.e. a mainly female role) is paid only £6,533 a year – while construction apprentices (largely male) earns almost double at £11,385.
At a full council meeting Councillor Gail Casey is reported as asking: “How do you justify the difference in wages between an admin apprentice and a construction apprentice?”
Good question – though, so far, no one appears to have come up with an answer!
Because this is what has been going on for years – blatant pay discrimination – across a wide range of council jobs.
And right under the noses of the trade unions.
Apparently a recent council report revealed a huge pay gap in the pay for young apprentices undertaking different roles.
A first year administration apprentice (i.e. a mainly female role) is paid only £6,533 a year – while construction apprentices (largely male) earns almost double at £11,385.
At a full council meeting Councillor Gail Casey is reported as asking: “How do you justify the difference in wages between an admin apprentice and a construction apprentice?”
Good question – though, so far, no one appears to have come up with an answer!
Because this is what has been going on for years – blatant pay discrimination – across a wide range of council jobs.
And right under the noses of the trade unions.
