Does equal pay legislation only apply to women? If I am a male, can I claim too?

I am a man and work as a care assistant. A job evaluation survey has been undertaken by my Council employers that shows that people employed in other jobs evaluated at the same level as mine have received far greater pay. Most of my colleagues are women and they are now pursuing equal pay claims on the basis that they are the victims of sexual discrimination. Can I bring such a claim even though I am a man?

If your female colleagues have a valid claim for Equal Pay then so do you.

If your job is mainly performed by women and;

1. they have received less pay then people who undertake another role within your Council, which the Council has evaluated at the same level as yours; and
   
2. that other role is performed predominantly by men;

there has probably been sexual discrimination and a claim for equal pay can therefore be brought.

The fact that you are a man is of no relevance, it is the fact that you have received a lower salary because you perform a role ordinarily performed by women that is important and consequently entitles you to bring an equal pay claim.

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