Prospect helps UKPN member win back £28,000 in equal pay claim

Prospect has helped one of its members at UK Power Networks secure almost £28,000 in backdated pay going back nearly five years following an equal pay claim grievance against the employer.

The member, who wishes to remain anonymous, has worked for UK Power Networks for more than 15 years and was supported at the grievance hearing by Prospect.

The basis of the member’s grievance was that they had been continuously denied equal pay and not afforded the opportunity to progress within the organisation.

Following the hearing, the employer conceded that: “There should have been pay scale progression commensurate with your increasing competence and responsibility.”

As a result, the company offered to move the member up to the appropriate pay band and backdate their pay accordingly.

While prepared to take their claim all the way to an Employment Tribunal, the member was happy with the outcome and accepted the offer.

Brian Harris, Prospect’s negotiations officer, who accompanied the member at the grievance hearing, said: “We are delighted to have been able to secure a significant sum of money for our member, whose objective from the beginning has been to be paid fairly for the job that they do.”

“Once again, this demonstrates the value of being a Prospect member. Only trade unions can protect your rights at work and make sure you get what you are entitled to.”