Men win £460,000 in back pay in discrimination case

A group of male workers at a Welsh university who won a landmark equal pay claim have been awarded a £460,000 payout.

A group of male workers at a Welsh university who won a landmark equal pay claim have been awarded a £460,000 payout.

Around 18 workmen – including carpenters, plumbers and caretakers – took the University of Wales, Trinity St David (UWTSD) to an employment tribunal saying they were being paid less than women counterparts such as secretaries who were doing similar jobs.

The case is thought to be the first time a large group of men have launched an equal pay claim. The majority of such claims are brought by women.

The University had stated that the pay difference was not due to gender and was a historic problem.

All the men were originally employed by Swansea Metropolitan University which merged with the University of Wales Trinity Saint David last year when their contracts changed and their hours were standardised at 37 a week. They had originally worked at least 45 hours a week. The university had suggested the difference in hours could be paid for as overtime.

However, when the new system started, the men noticed their hourly rate was less than women on the same pay grade.

The £460,000 figure covers back pay for the men involved.

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