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DVLA equal pay case: second session of hearings begin

19 October 2009

The government is attempting to prevent women in DVLA from taking equal pay claims against men in DSA.

Instead of proving that there is no discrimination in how men and women’s pay is set, the government is arguing that the women should not be allowed to take equal pay claims.

An employment tribunal is being asked to rule on the government’s argument. In May this year we had the first session of hearings (lasting 11 days) we are now staring on the second session.

All week, starting 19 October witnesses from the Cabinet Office and the Treasury will argue that Ministers have no control over pay.

New Labour says it will freeze the pay of senior civil servants next year. The Conservatives say that if elected they will freeze the pay of all civil servants, expect for those earning less than £18,000, in 2011. These announcements undermine somewhat the claims made by the Cabinet Office/Treasury to the employment tribunal.

Their arguments are further undermined by the sheer weight of evidence that shows again and again that Ministers are in charge of pay.

We have assembled a strong legal team to argue our side of things but despite the absurdity of the government’s claim we know that it will be a tough fight.

The reason for the hard fight is that New Labour is keen on fairness – expect of course when it costs money.

 


 

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