By leading the way on the Living Wage, which was implemented in 2012, the local authority has helped reduce the Gender Pay Gap to 0.68 per cent.
The implementation of the Living Wage means the average difference in pay between men and women is significantly smaller than the UK Public Sector Gender Pay Gap, which is 12.1%, and UK Private Sector Gender Pay Gap, that stands at 23.6% (UK National Statistics Source 2016).
A report published by the Accounts Commission on equal pay in Scottish councils has revealed long-standing issues implementing the policy, while also highlighting nearly 27,000 outstanding equal pay claims across all local authority’s as of September 2016.
Stirling Council’s introduction of a new grading structure in 2009 followed an extensive job evaluation project (Single Status). This was supported by a grading appeal process available to employees, which ensures that the council have eliminated any gender bias in their pay systems, supporting the local authority to meet their obligations in relation to equal pay under the Equality Act 2010.
Stirling Council leader Scott Farmer said, “Stirling Council fully supports the principle of equal pay for work of equal value. We worked closely and constructively with the trade unions (UNISON, GMB, UNITE, UCATT) to develop single status terms and conditions of employment, and implement job evaluation, for all posts which fall within the Scottish Joint Council, Chief Officer and Craft bargaining groups. This process applied to just over 3,000 employees and the new terms took effect in February 2009.
“As a responsible employer, Stirling Council took the lead in introducing the Living Wage rate for our lowest paid workers in 2012 and currently pay above the recommended level. It is only right that all workers, whatever their gender, are paid a fair and reasonable rate for the work they do.
“We will continue to work in partnership with trades unions and employee representatives to ensure that in future we continue to meet our obligations and that pay and terms and conditions of employment are fair and equitable.”
All employees were provided detailed information on how the grade of their job was evaluated and were offered the right of appeal. The appeals were heard by a panel that included trade union representatives and management who had undergone training in job evaluation.
Stirling Council's Chief Officer for Human Resources and Organisational Development, Kristine Johnson, said: “There are currently no live equal pay claims in Stirling Council. Together with the workforce team and our trade unions, we set out to conclude the cases as swiftly as possible and this was achieved by the summer of 2016.
“In the past 18 months a new challenge was received, dating back to the implementation of job evaluation. Following an Employment Tribunal Hearing last autumn, the decision was found in the Council’s favour. This further demonstrates the robust approach which has been adopted to ensure all posts undergo appropriate evaluation and there is no discriminatory elements related to gender.
“The job evaluation appeals panel continues, called upon as and when necessary on a partnership basis with the trades unions, to ensure the high standard of job evaluation is maintained.”
Among the future commitments made by the Council to ensure that every employee receives fair and equal treatment includes publishing gender pay gap information, gathering information on the composition of their employees with respect to protected characteristics, planning and implementing actions in partnership with trade union/employee representatives and responding to grievances and appeals relating to pay as urgent.
Convener of the Finance and Economy Committee, Councillor Margaret Brisley, added: “We believe that by eliminating gender bias in our pay system we are sending a positive message to our staff and customers. It makes good business sense to have a fair, transparent reward system and it helps us to control costs. We recognise that avoiding unfair discrimination will improve morale and enhance efficiency.”