Fife Council confident full scale of equal pay claims is known

Fife Council officials say they are confident of not having to face any further historic claims for equal pay.

The local authority already faces a settlement bill of around £52 million for what has been termed as “discriminatory pay practices” against female staff in previous years.

Last year the Unison union reached a settlement for 1,400 women, who are to be recompensed for cases dating back to 2006.

In addition, it has been revealed that negotiations with representatives of the Unite union have taken place regarding a further 38 claims by former staff.

However, when asked by councillors whether more claims were likely, Susan MacKessack, the council’s managing solicitor, said she was “very optimistic” there would be no more claims.

Lesley Laird, depute leader of Fife Council, said: “Claims have been coming in since 2007 and we must praise these women for the patience and perseverance for this long-standing legacy issue.

“I’m delighted that the administration is doing the right thing, irrespective of how hard things are right now.

“It is an important day for women in Fife Council.”