Equal Pay Disputes

What else you might like to know about Equal Pay Disputes

If your business is faced with an equal pay claim and direct communication has not achieved a settlement, seeking the help of a legal service provider should be your next step. Here is some basic advice and guidance to inform your choice of legal expert. 

Under what circumstances do equal pay disputes arise?

Equal pay disputes can arise if any employee does not believe they are receiving the appropriate pay for equivalent work. This definition covers work that falls under the same job description or requires equivalent competency, qualifications, skill or effort as another employee. 

Other than salary, what else is covered by 'equal pay'?

Equal pay disputes may also extend to other employee benefits such as performance-related bonuses, overtime rates, pensions and even annual leave entitlements.

How can a legal expert help?

A legal expert will be able to talk you through the legalities of equal pay and offering you an assessment of your employee’s grounds for making a claim. A legal service provider may also make recommendations in relation to informal negotiations, settlements or court proceedings. A legal service provider may also facilitate mediation and enable both parties to reach a compromise.

Will a dispute have to go before tribunal?

In equal pay dispute cases where a settlement cannot be reached, the final course of action is to proceed to tribunal. A tribunal panel will appraise all of the evidence and decide whether a claimant has grounds to make a claim and, if so, what form of compensation they deserve.

How should I choose the best legal expert?

You may wish to make a decision based on factors such as the location, cost and size of a firm.

 Answer a few short questions now and start comparing legal service providers based on the criteria most important to you.

What price structures can I expect?

Legal service providers typically charge on an hourly rate or fixed fee with capped hours basis in the case of equal pay disputes. Be aware that there may be different pricing structures for advice, mediation services and tribunal representation.