Tribunal clears Barnet equal pay claims to proceed, says UNISON

Monday 8 June 2026
For immediate release

Tribunal clears Barnet equal pay claims to proceed, says UNISON
Equal pay claims on behalf of hundreds of women employed by two Barnet Council-owned companies have cleared a hurdle on their way to reaching an employment tribunal, says UNISON today (Monday).

A pre-hearing on 29 May has determined wage equality cases against the Barnet Group and Barnet Education and Learning Skills (BELS) can proceed, the union says.

UNISON is representing hundreds of women, including school support staff and care workers, who say they have been denied equal pay for years.

The claims centre on evidence that waste and recycling workers are paid for a full working day but can leave work once their rounds are completed. However, women carrying out work of equal value are required to work all their contracted hours, the union says.

A further hearing is due to take place in September to determine whether UNISON's separate equal pay claim against Barnet Council can proceed.

UNISON London regional secretary Sara Gorton said: "Women working across Barnet have waited too long for equal pay. 

"Every delay increases costs and postpones justice for staff. The priority must be securing a fair outcome as quickly as possible."

Notes to editors:
– UNISON is the UK's largest union, with more than 1.3 million members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.

Media contact:
Emma Davey E: [email protected] M: 07432 733187