Post Mat leave colleagues paid more

[user1471466337]

Hello,

I returned back to work recently post Mat leave and have discovered colleagues hired whilst I was out and indeed those who did/do the same role as me and were there before I left are paid £30k more than I am.

Do I have any grounds to take action?

I doubt those who did the role before you went on maternity leave have had a £30k pay rise while you were away unless you are on very high pay. The fact that others are being paid more for the same role does not, of itself, mean you have grounds for action. However, if you are being paid less because you are a woman or due to some other protected characteristic, that would be grounds for action. Also, if you have missed out on any pay rises while you were on maternity leave, that may be grounds for action.

They're on £30k more for the same job? Are they also women?

How do you know what they earn? Are you sure they're telling you the truth?