In what circumstances am I entitled to claim equal pay ?

The law states that men and women are entitled to equal pay where they are doing the same work, or, in some cases, different types of work, but which are considered equivalent. This is expressed as follows:

• "like work" - the same, or broadly similar work
• "work rated as equivalent" – different work, but where the jobs have been rated as equivalent under a job evaluation scheme
• "work of equal value" – different work, but which could be rated as equivalent if there had been a job evaluation scheme.

Pay includes all aspects of wages and salaries (including pensions). The equal pay laws apply to all workers, including those working on a part-time, casual or temporary basis.

In order to make a claim you need to find a person of the opposite sex, called a 'comparator', who is being paid more than you and who works in the same establishment.

Claims have to be made to employment tribunals within 6 months.