An Assembly member has warned that Welsh councils could face the threat of legal action over outstanding claims for equal pay.

Shadow Local Government Cabinet Secretary, Janet Finch-Saunders AM, sounded the warning after reports emerged that Fife Council in Scotland is facing the threat of new legal proceedings over the non-payment of equal pay awards.

According to a Freedom of Information Request by Mrs Finch-Saunders’ office, there are 92 outstanding equal pay claims: 30 in Anglesey, 30 in Powys, 31 in Swansea, and just 1 in Torfaen.

Mrs Finch-Saunders called for answers as to how so many claims remained outstanding, despite a sharp drop overall since April 2017.

Commenting, Mrs Finch-Saunders said:

“It is disgraceful for so many people to have been kept waiting on these claims, and I believe that local authorities owe those women an apology.

“I am pleased to see that some progress has been made on pay claims, but there has been too much resistance, and too much obstruction throughout.

“Local authorities should be a place for people to get on in their career, regardless of gender, background or education.

“Yet the fact that these claims remain outstanding after so long sends a very unfortunate message to women.”

Notes to editors:

All figures from a Freedom of Information by Janet Finch-Saunders:

How many equal pay claims are currently outstanding in your local authority area?

Note that the same request was submitted in April 2017.

(Individual responses available on request).