Women paid less than equal male

Posted 16/06/2010

Two women have won what could be a landmark equality case after contesting the fact that a male colleague was paid more than them.

Mairi Buchanan and Pat Holland were promoted to higher positions within Skills Development Scotland in 2002, but found out that a male member of staff was earning £10,000 more for the same work.

After their complaints had not been addressed by 2008, they decided to take legal action against their employer for discrimination.

This week, they have been told they will be eligible for compensation after their unfair treatment and informed that a clause is to be added to their contracts to prevent future inequality.

Encouraging women not to be afraid to “rock the boat” if they feel they are being treated badly, Ms Buchanan said: “To finally gain some parity is a huge relief, but we are all too aware there are thousands of women in a similar position.”

According to the Fawcett Society, which recently held a conference campaigning for equal pay, women are paid an average of 17.1 per cent less per hour than their male counterparts doing the same jobs.