MORE than 150 women who lost out in the recent equal pay deal are set to take Inverclyde Council to an employment tribunal.

The cleaners, home helps and catering staff were among those stunned to discover that they would not get a share of �1.6 million announced earlier this month.

A total of 400 current and former employees received payouts of up to �3,000 after the council agreed to settle after coming to an agreement with the GMB union.

But the Telegraph was contacted by a number of employees who missed out on the cash.

One said: "I am a member of the GMB. We were told at a meeting in the town hall that we wouldn't be getting the money. I couldn't believe it. At the end of the day we do the same job and we were all in the same vote. We are so angry. It has caused such bad feeling." It emerged that some members of the GMB had not registered their case in time to be included in the recent deal.

But another employee added: "We didn't know that we had to register." The GMB then launched a grievance with the council on behalf of the 150 people who had missed out, but that was rejected.

So now the women face a lengthy employment tribunal to state their case.

GMB regional organiser Louise Gilmour said: "I feel desperately sorry for the women who did not get their cash.

"We did everything in our power to make sure people were registered. I sent out two letters and it was put in the magazine. These claims are time barred and there is nothing we could do. I think the council should pay them the money. They are entitled to it." Some of the catering, home helps and cleaners affected have been in touch with Inverclyde Employment Rights for advice.

Jim McCourt, of the advice service, pictured, said: "I think if the council pay one employee out, they should pay them all." The equal pay dispute has run for four years and so far has cost the council a sum of �136,681 on legal, consultancy and other fees.

There are more disputes that have still to be settled in other departments.

A council spokesman said: "Any new employment tribunal would be examined through the normal process."