Equal value claims were lodged in August 1997

Unison said around 1,500 employees of North Cumbria Acute NHS Trust would get between �35,000 and �200,000 each.

The women, including nurses and clerical officers, complained they were paid less than men in equivalent posts.

The trust said a final deal had not been reached and Unison claims of a �300m payout were "wildly exaggerated".

'Pay discrimination'

Equal value claims were lodged in August 1997 for 14 different working categories, comparing women's salaries against those of men.

Unison general secretary Dave Prentis hailed a "fantastic result" after a "long, hard struggle".

This decision means that we will now press our claim for back pay for other health service staff, who may have suffered from an unfair pay system Unison

"This demonstrates what we have always argued, that there has been historic, widespread pay discrimination in the health service against women.

"This decision means that we will now press our claim for back pay for other health service staff, who may have suffered from an unfair pay system."

The women compared their pay with that of craftsmen and joiners, building labourers and all washers, works officers and maintenance assistants.

Unison said pay rates, hours of work, pensions, weekend working rates and sick pay were all included in the comparisons.

'Long wait'

Two years ago, a panel of experts found in favour of the union's claim.

Unison said around 1,500 workers could now claim back pay for up to six years, with some receiving 14 years pay.

Interest of between 50% and 60% will also be paid, the union claims.

Linda Weightman, 56, a nurse at Cumberland Infirmary, said the "long wait" had been worth it.

"There will be some smiling faces... and a few shocked ones as well.

"It will mean a lot to members who have had to retire through ill health."

It is premature to state that a deal has been agreed and financial estimates of the settlement, as quoted by Unison, are wildly exaggerated North Cumbria Acute NHS Trust

But in a statement, the trust denied a pay-out had been agreed.

It said : "Although much progress has been made an overall agreement has not been reached.

"Until such a time it would be inappropriate to prejudge the outcome.

"Therefore, it is premature to state that a deal has been agreed and financial estimates of the settlement, as quoted by Unison, are wildly exaggerated."

A spokesman for the Department of Health said there was "no deal as yet".

"Negotiations are still continuing between the trust and the union on this long-standing issue."