Swansea council: Workers' pay rise under equality laws

Thousands of council workers could receive a pay rise under new proposals, Swansea council has said.

The pay structure is designed to satisfy equality legislation which affects all councils across the UK.

Swansea council says many of the lowest paid employees, including those working in catering, cleaning and care, would receive "significant pay increases".

However, some workers face a pay cut under the £12m plans. Those affected will get pay protection for a year.

All councils in the UK are legally required to introduce an equality-proofed pay structure for staff.

The legislation is to ensure people are paid the same for doing work of equal value, regardless of gender.

Swansea council's cabinet has agreed to the restructure, which is called Single Status.

Rob Stewart, the cabinet member for finance, said: "The council's proposals follow many months of detailed analysis and negotiations with the trade unions.

"Our proposals would ensure that more than 44% of staff would receive a pay increase and a further 35% would remain on the same salary."

The council says that staff with reduced pay would be "placed at the top of their new salary scale and receive pay protection for 12 months to help cushion the loss".