Knowsley Council Faces GMB Equal Pay Claims Worth Tens of Millions, Merseyside 2026

Key Points

• GMB Union has warned Knowsley Council in Merseyside of potential equal pay claims worth “tens of millions of pounds” due to historic underpayment of workers in female-dominated roles.
• Claims target thousands of council employees in roles such as administration assistant and chef supervisor, underpaid compared to male-dominated roles of equal value.
• This follows a similar GMB warning in October 2024, highlighting over 1,000 workers in “task and finish” sectors facing unfair pay practices.
• Knowsley Council states it supports equal pay principles and is engaging with unions, including GMB, to resolve the issues.
• GMB describes the underpayment as “scandalous,” with senior organiser Michael Clark urging council officials to negotiate.
• Union has begun launching formal claims against the council to address the disparities.

Knowsley (Liverpool Standard) February 24, 2026 – Knowsley Council in Merseyside faces potential equal pay claims worth tens of millions of pounds, as warned by the GMB Union, which has launched claims over historic underpayments affecting thousands of workers in female-dominated roles.

The union alleges that employees in positions traditionally held by women, such as administration assistants and chef supervisors, have been underpaid compared to male counterparts performing work of equal value. This development builds on a prior alert from the GMB in October 2024, when it flagged unfair pay practices in the council’s “task and finish” sectors.

What Triggered the GMB Union’s Latest Warning?

The GMB Union, one of the UK’s leading trade unions, has escalated its campaign by formally launching equal pay claims against Knowsley Council. As initially reported in the Liverpool Echo, the union warns that the council could face liabilities running into “tens of millions of pounds” due to systemic underpayment.

Union officials emphasise that thousands of workers—primarily women in roles like administration assistants and chef supervisors—have been shortchanged. These positions, they argue, involve work rated as equal in value to male-dominated jobs yet command lower pay.

This is not a new issue. In October 2024, the Liverpool Echo covered a GMB warning that more than 1,000 council employees in “female dominated” roles were potentially underpaid despite performing equivalent work. That report, accessible via the Liverpool Echo‘s archives, highlighted vulnerabilities in the council’s “task and finish” sectors, where staff handle short-term projects.

Who Is Michael Clark and What Did He Say?

Michael Clark, senior organiser at GMB, has been vocal in calling out the council. As reported by journalists at the Liverpool Echo, Clark urged authority officials to “come to the table” for negotiations.

GMB officials, speaking through Clark, described the situation as “scandalous,” stating that women were being paid less for “work of equal value.” This phrasing underscores the union’s position that pay disparities violate equal pay legislation, potentially exposing the council to mass claims.

No specific journalist byline is attached to the primary Liverpool Echo article (titled “Merseyside council could face equal pay claims worth ‘tens of millions'”), but it draws from GMB statements and council responses verified by Echo reporters. Clark’s October comments were similarly attributed in the earlier piece, reinforcing continuity in the union’s advocacy.

How Has Knowsley Council Responded?

Knowsley Council has acknowledged the concerns while reaffirming its commitment to fair pay. In a statement covered by the Liverpool Echo, the council said it “supports the principles of equal pay and was engaging with trade unions including GMB to resolve the issue.”

The authority has not disputed the scale of potential claims but emphasised ongoing dialogue. This engagement follows the October 2024 warning, suggesting proactive steps to audit pay structures.

Council representatives have not issued further public comments beyond the initial response, as per available Liverpool Echo coverage. However, the body’s cooperation with unions indicates an intent to avoid litigation.

What Are the Broader Implications for Merseyside Councils?

This dispute at Knowsley Council mirrors equal pay battles across UK local authorities, particularly in Merseyside. The Liverpool Echo‘s October article linked it to regional trends, noting similar scrutiny on “task and finish” contracts prevalent in the area.

Financially, claims worth tens of millions could strain Knowsley Council’s budget, already pressured by austerity measures and public service demands. GMB’s involvement signals potential for class-action lawsuits, where thousands of claimants seek back pay plus interest.

Legally, under the Equality Act 2010, employers must ensure equal pay for work of equal value. Historic underpayments, often rooted in job evaluation biases, have led to landmark payouts elsewhere, such as Birmingham City Council’s £1.1 billion settlement in 2012.

Why Do Female-Dominated Roles Face Underpayment?

GMB highlights roles like administration assistants and chef supervisors as exemplars. These jobs, numerically dominated by women, involve skills comparable to male-held positions—such as manual labour or technical oversight—yet pay less.

As per Liverpool Echo reporting, the union’s analysis rates these roles as “equal value” via recognised job evaluation schemes. Disparities arise from outdated grading systems favouring physical or “dirty” work, a pattern critiqued by unions nationwide.

In October 2024, GMB specified over 1,000 affected workers, a figure now expanded in current claims. This escalation reflects gathered evidence from pay audits and member testimonies.

What Happened in the October 2024 Warning?

The precursor to this crisis was detailed in the Liverpool Echo‘s article “Merseyside council faces claims could cost tens of millions,” published last October. There, GMB warned of unfair practices in Knowsley Council’s “task and finish” sectors.

Michael Clark, as quoted, called on officials to negotiate promptly. The piece, hyperlinked in the latest coverage, noted over 1,000 workers in female-dominated roles potentially underpaid.

Echo journalists framed it as part of Merseyside’s equal pay reckoning, drawing parallels to neighbouring authorities. No additional sources beyond Liverpool Echo and GMB statements were cited in that report.

Could This Lead to Widespread Claims Across Merseyside?

While focused on Knowsley, the GMB’s actions could ripple regionally. The Liverpool Echo notes Merseyside’s councils share similar structures, making them vulnerable to copycat claims.

Union strategy often involves test cases; success at Knowsley might embolden workers elsewhere. GMB’s track record includes victories against councils like Glasgow and Oxford, securing millions in redress.

Knowsley Council’s engagement may avert escalation, but unresolved disputes risk tribunal battles. Legal experts, though not quoted here, typically advise swift settlements to cap costs.

What Steps Are Unions and Councils Taking Next?

GMB has “begun launching claims,” per Liverpool Echo, implying formal tribunal filings or pre-action protocols. Michael Clark’s plea for talks suggests room for mediation.

The council’s union engagement points to internal reviews, possibly via ACAS (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service). Outcomes could include pay regradings, backdated awards, and policy overhauls.

Monitoring by Liverpool Echo journalists ensures transparency, with social shares on platforms like Facebook and X amplifying calls for accountability.

Historical Context of UK Local Government Equal Pay Disputes

Equal pay claims have plagued UK councils since the 1990s, with Merseyside no stranger. Knowsley’s case echoes Liverpool City Council’s past settlements and Wirral’s ongoing audits.

GMB’s persistence stems from grassroots organising, amassing data on 1,000+ workers since October. “Historic underpayment,” as termed by the union, spans years, inflating claim values with compound interest.

Government guidance urges job evaluations, yet implementation lags in cash-strapped boroughs like Knowsley.

Expert Views on Resolving Such Claims

Though no external experts are directly quoted in Liverpool Echo sources, union and council statements align with standard practice. GMB’s “scandalous” label invokes moral urgency, while the council’s response prioritises resolution.

Precedents show settlements averaging £10,000–£20,000 per claimant, potentially totalling tens of millions for thousands affected.

Potential Financial Impact on Knowsley Council

Tens of millions in liabilities could necessitate reserves dips or council tax hikes. Knowsley, serving 150,000 residents, balances social care and housing amid tight budgets.

Liverpool Echo coverage underscores the stakes, with GMB’s claims poised to test fiscal resilience.