GMB Union launches equal pay legal action against Bradford Council

The claimants, all current or former employees in traditionally female-dominated roles such as learning support assistants, clerical workers, and cooks, are bringing claims under equal pay legislation. The roles are being compared to male-dominated positions within the council. 

According to GMB, despite the jobs being of equal value or graded similarly under the council’s own Single Status Job Evaluation Scheme, which followed the national NJC Green Book framework, some predominately male areas in the council are paid significantly more due to enhanced terms and conditions. These include a wide range of bonuses and pay enhancements not made available to the claimants. 

GMB argues that these differences have led to significantly higher hourly earnings for the male comparators and amount to pay discrimination. 

The union says attempts were made to settle the matter informally but say Bradford Council failed to engage meaningfully. If the claims succeed, the council could be liable for millions of pounds in back pay and pension contributions. 

The claim mirrors similar actions launched by GMB in other parts of the country, including recent legal proceedings against Barnet Council in London. Law firm Leigh Day, which is supporting GMB in the litigation, says the case could have implications across the public sector. 

Desiree Johnston, GMB North East Yorkshire & Humber Senior Organiser, said: 

“It’s a disgrace that in 2025, women working in some of the most undervalued roles are still being paid less than men in equivalent jobs. Bradford Council has known about these structural inequalities for years and done nothing, and when raised recently with the council the response was “we don’t agree that there is a problem".     

“Our members are not asking for special treatment, just fair treatment. These are loyal, hardworking staff who have supported vital council services for years. They deserve better. GMB will continue fighting until our members get the justice they’re owed.” 

Lou Foster-Wilson, GMB Organiser, said:  

“Our members are angry at being short-changed, and quite rightly so. It’s shameful. Bradford Council bosses have buried their heads in the sand for more than six months; avoiding engaging in negotiations to resolve the dispute. Hundreds of claims are piling up – with hundreds more to follow.  

“The longer it takes to settle these claims the bigger the bill Bradford Council will have to pick up. I urge the council to do the right thing by our members and its workforce and get round the negotiating table, so we can sort out a settlement for our members as soon as possible.”  

Ryan Bradshaw, partner at Leigh Day, said: 

“This case highlights the enduring inequality within local authority pay structures. Our clients, many of whom have spent years in underpaid roles, are seeking what the law entitles them to: equal pay for equal work. We hope Bradford Council will take this opportunity to resolve the issue without prolonged litigation and spending of finite resources on avoidable legal expenses."