Female care staff launch High Court bid for equal pay

The GMB union instructed law firm Leigh Day to issue legal proceedings yesterday to win equal pay for 87 members employed by Avery Homes (Nelson) Ltd.

Avery Homes run 45 care homes across the country including Highcliffe Care Home, in the Witherwack area of Sunderland.

GMB consider that these members are employed to carry out equal work to that carried out by men employed by Avery, whose terms and conditions are “more favourable”.

Chris Benson, acting for the GMB legal team, said: “Female members of GMB working as carers for local authorities have secured equal pay with the support of their union.

“Many also received back pay ,as well as better terms and conditions going forward.

“Those care staff compared themselves against jobs done by men, such as caretakers and other male-dominated roles.

“Carers working for Avery believe they are also underpaid and with the assistance of GMB have issued claims to ensure they too receive equal pay.

“The claims, which go back up to six years, could see members recover thousands of pounds in back pay they have been denied.

“GMB will also be working to negotiate better terms and conditions and hope Avery sit down and negotiate a proper wage for the female carers.”

Justin Bowden, GMB national officer care, said: “Every one of the 2,000 women Avery Healthcare employs may have a claim for hundreds or thousands of pounds of compensation.”