Equal pay
If you are being paid less than a colleague of the opposite sex (comparator), where they are in the same employment and doing:
- work that is the same or broadly similar
- work rated as equivalent under an analytical job evaluation scheme
- work that is different, but which is of equal value in terms of the demands of the job
- You may have a right to claim under the Equal Pay Act 1970 (as amended).
The Equal Pay Act cannot be used to deal with unequal pay, where the comparator is of the same sex, irrespective of the unfairness and irrationality of the pay arrangements. The Equality and Human Rights Commission and the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland offer guidance on the law and on taking claims to an employment tribunal.
The Equal Pay Act covers full and part time work. The Equality and Human Rights Commission also offers guidance on discrimination in pay against part time workers, where they:
- are paid a lower hourly rate, or less than a pro rata salary, compared with a full-time worker
- do not have access to other pay benefits, such as an occupational pension
- are given less than pro-rata access to other pay benefits – such as holiday entitlement or sick pay – compared with full-time workers
Race relations
If you feel that your pay level may have been affected by racial discrimination, the Race Relations Act 1976, as amended by the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000 for England, Scotland and Wales and the Race Relations Act (Northern Ireland) may be relevant.
It is important to note that, in this area, there are strict time limits on filing a case with an employment tribunal or court.
Further information and guidance are available from//http://www.equalityhumanrights.com or the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland.
Advice and arbitration
ACAS provides advice on employment rights and acts as an arbitrator. Their contact details are:
Brandon House
180 Borough High Street
London
SE1 1LW
020 7210 3613
ACAS also provides a telephone helpline that can answer your employment questions.
ACAS Helpline: 08457 47 47 47
Trade Unions are a source of guidance and support; you can work with your local branch or contact the national body. The unions listed below cover library and information posts in a variety of locations, but there may be other relevant unions. Check which union is appropriate for your post and workplace.
First Division Association (FDA)
Tel: 020 7343 1111
Public and Commercial Service Union (PCS)
Tel: 020 7924 2727
UCU
Tel: 020 7670 9700
Unison
Tel: 0845 355 0845
Unite
Tel: 020 8426 7755