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Last Updated: Friday, 10 February 2006, 13:27 GMT
Workers get �5.5m wages backdated
Thousands of council workers are to share a �5.5m windfall as Barnsley Council backdates workers' wages to rectify pay inequalities.

More than 2,600 staff, mainly women, will each receive up to �5,500.

The council said some staff, such as refuse collectors, had received bonus payments while others on the same scale, such as cleaners, had not.

Negotiations were supported by unions, and members voted overwhelmingly to accept the council's offer.

'Modernising pay'

The tax-free payments are part of a national move to rectify pay inequalities but councils have all arranged their own settlement dates.

Council leader Steve Houghton said officers had worked extremely hard with the trade unions and Acas.

"This is a major step in modernising pay structures within the council," he said.

"This is something we had to undertake to make sure the relevant national and European legislation is adhered to and I'm pleased we have come to such a speedy and well-received conclusion."


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