Birmingham City Council reaches equal pay deal with unions

The dispute relates to claims staff in female-dominated roles, such as teaching assistants, have historically been underpaid in relation to those in male dominated areas of the council, such as waste collection.

The council declared effective bankruptcy last year. It signed off a budget earlier this year which included £150m of cuts over the next 12 months with another £150m of cuts planned next year.

Councillor John Cotton, leader of the city council, said the agreement marked the end of “an intense period of dialogue” between the authority and its unions.

“It is an important step on the council’s improvement journey,” he added.

“I would like to put on record my thanks to GMB and UNISON for the constructive way in which they have approached these negotiations.”

The agreement was described as “historic” for women at the council by Rhea Wolfson, the GMB union’s head of industrials relations.

“This result would not have happened without their dedicated and tireless leadership of a campaign which was overcome huge odds,” she added.

The settlement would be a “good day for low-paid women” at the council, Clare Campbell, from Unison, said.

“They will at last get the pay justice they deserve,” she added.

“This will hopefully be the much-needed turning point for staff, services and local communities across the city.”