ON 19 November 2016, the Greenock Telegraph reported that Inverclyde Council were ‘on the verge of agreeing a £2 million equal pay package for almost 1,000 Inverclyde women’.

The article continued with the following: “A council spokesman today confirmed that talks are at an advanced stage. He said: “In respect of the outstanding equal pay claims, I can confirm the council is committed to addressing all claims in a fair manner as quickly as possible.”

As I write this, the Equal Pay claims have still yet to be concluded. This sorry saga has dragged on for years and women, and it is predominantly women, have been trying to get this concluded.

I have been working with a large group of women on this issue and last week when we met found out the updated situation.

I have raised the matter directly with Inverclyde Council in the past and also in the parliament. I asked the Cabinet Secretary today if she agreed with me that when deals are concluded that the additional part for people’s pension contributions should also be considered. I am happy she was in agreement.

Ultimately, people who have worked for any public body should be paid for the work they have done.

The fact that women are still fighting equal pay claims in councils across Scotland is nothing short of appalling. 

All public authorities involved should just pay the women what they are due and let everyone get on with their lives.