Progress made on delivery of new pay equity system

Councillor John Cotton, Leader of Birmingham City Council, said:

“Birmingham City Council has consistently failed to close off its equal pay liability – and that must end now. It has been clear to me from day-one in this role that the only way to end our historic equal pay liabilities once and for all is to deliver a fair and robust job evaluation scheme.

“As Lead Commissioner Max Caller said to me in our very first conversation on the matter, the sensible approach has always been to agree a way forward with our staff and trade unions.

“So, I’m pleased that, thanks to the hard work of the trade unions, the council’s political and corporate leadership, and the commissioners, the Council will today vote for a modified version of the nationally-recognised Gauge system.

“Crucially, the three recognised trade unions are close to agreeing an addendum which will set out the agreed principles of working in relation to the delivery on the new Pay Equity System.

“It’s taken a lot of hard work, perseverance, and a shared determination to get to this stage, so I want to thank everyone who has been involved in the lengthy negotiations. This option will have the support of our recognised trade unions, without which any scheme would surely collapse, leading to costly and disruptive industrial disputes.

“Now, by getting this Job Evaluation System agreed, we can help our city to move on from the equal pay liability, adopt an equitable pay grading system, and get on with building a better Birmingham for everyone.”

The report can be found on the council’s agenda paper’s for the EGM.