QUICK ANSWER
Equal pay law under the Equality Act 2010 entitles workers to the same pay as colleagues of the opposite sex doing equivalent work. Thousands of Scottish council workers and supermarket employees have successfully claimed backdated equal pay worth £5,000 to £30,000+. Claims can recover up to 6 years of pay arrears. Scottish Claims Helpline handles equal pay claims on a no win no fee basis — select your employer below for a free assessment.
Underpaid Compared to a Colleague of the Opposite Sex? You Could Be Owed Thousands.
Equal pay is not just a principle — it is the law. The Equality Act 2010 implies an equality clause into every employment contract, entitling workers to the same pay and contractual terms as a colleague of the opposite sex engaged in like work, work rated as equivalent, or work of equal value.
Scottish Claims Helpline handles equal pay claims across Scotland on a no win no fee basis. Scotland has seen some of the largest equal pay claims in UK history, particularly involving Scottish local councils where predominantly female care and domestic workers were paid less than predominantly male manual workers doing work of equivalent value. Significant claims have also been brought against major supermarket chains.
If you think you are — or were — paid less than a comparable worker of the opposite sex, select your employer below for a free assessment.
How Much Could You Receive?
Compensation consists of backdated pay arrears plus interest:
| Length of Affected Employment | Typical Recovery |
|---|
| 1–2 years in an affected role | £2,000 – £8,000 |
| 3–5 years in an affected role | £8,000 – £20,000 |
| 6+ years in an affected role | £20,000 – £30,000+ |
Recovery depends on the pay differential and length of service. Court claims can recover up to 6 years of arrears.
That’s not all. In addition to backdated pay arrears, you are entitled to interest on the underpaid sums. You may also recover compensation for discriminatory terms affecting pension contributions, overtime rates, bonus payments, and other contractual benefits beyond basic pay.
Who Can Claim?
Both current and former employees can claim. You do not need to have raised a grievance or complained to your employer. Common groups making equal pay claims in Scotland include: home care workers, cleaners, catering staff, and school support staff employed by councils (compared to refuse collectors, road workers, and parks maintenance staff); and female store workers at major supermarkets (compared to male distribution centre staff). Select your employer to get started:
Equal Pay Claims — Frequently Asked Questions
An equal pay claim arises when a worker is paid less than a colleague of the opposite sex doing like work, work rated as equivalent, or work of equal value. Under the Equality Act 2010, an equality clause is implied into every employment contract entitling workers to equal pay and conditions.
Compensation consists of backdated pay arrears — the difference between what you were paid and what your comparator received — plus interest, for up to 6 years. For long-serving council or supermarket workers in affected roles, settlements can range from £5,000 to £30,000 or more.
Employment tribunal claims must generally be brought within 6 months of leaving employment. Court claims for pay arrears can go back up to 6 years from the date of claim. If you are still employed, you can claim while still working.
Yes. Former employees can bring equal pay claims. Employment tribunal claims must be brought within 6 months of leaving. Court claims can recover up to 6 years of backdated pay arrears. Contact us as soon as possible to protect your position.
Scottish local councils including North Ayrshire, Dundee City, Fife, Glasgow, Edinburgh, and many others have been subject to large-scale equal pay claims. Major supermarket chains are also facing claims from female store workers comparing their pay with male warehouse and distribution workers.
No. You do not need to have previously complained, raised a grievance, or spoken to your employer about equal pay before making a legal claim. Our specialists will assess your position free of charge.
How Do I Start My Claim?
Select your employer from the links above and complete the short form on the relevant page. One of our specialist Scottish employment solicitors will call you back at a time that suits, assess your position, and explain your options — all completely free and with no obligation. If you decide to go ahead, everything is handled on a no win no fee basis. You pay nothing unless you win.
About this page: Written by the Scottish Claims Helpline editorial team. Reviewed by a qualified Scottish solicitor. Last reviewed February 2026. Scottish Claims Helpline is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (
FRN 830381).