Equal pay act

[Reallytired]

Has anyone made a sucessful claim under the equal pay act? During my maternity leave my line manager who is paid twice what I am paid left. I am now essentially doing his job on half the money. I am trapped in my job because if I do not stay 13 weeks then I have to pay back occupational maternity pay.

I work in local governant and I know several suitable male compartators.

I haven't made a claim but I do know that to do so you need to show that there is a man who is currently doing a job that can be considered the same as you who is paid a significantly different amount. You can get more advice from the Equalities and Human Rights Commission.

The fact that many employers frown upon discussing wages is the reason many of these issues aren't out in the open. Equal pay audits would also help too.

However, in your situation I would not suggest going in so strong. You don't have grounds for an equal pay act claim for a role that you don't have. And even if you did get it you have to show that they pay a man in the same role more.

What I would suggest is approaching your line manager and explaining that you are doing the extra work and could a formal secondment arrangement be made please? That way you can negotiate an acting up allowance.

The other thing that springs to mind is why are you doing your old boss' job too? Could you not just stop?

If you just want to kill time and get out then you could put in an application for parental leave (4 weeks but unpaid) and take some annual leave.