Unions and council officials have finally thrashed out a deal on equal pay in Aberdeenshire. The agreement was reached last week following lengthy discussions between the local authority and all three unions – Unison, GMB and the T&GWU. The council's chief executive, Alan Campbell, said: ‘This agreement marks a major milestone in the implementation of single status, and paves the way forward for putting the proposals into action. ‘It is to be particularly welcomed that this has been achieved without disruption to employees or services. ‘The emphasis on consultation and communication has been good for the people in Aberdeenshire who receive our services, and good for employees as well.' Aberdeenshire Council sent more than 11,000 employees consultation packs and asked for their views on new pay and grading structure and conditions of services. Employees were also invited to attend briefing sessions on the process. Unison's Aberdeen branch secretary, Bob Revie, said: ‘We are relieved. We intended to reach a negotiated settlement, and we have done that.' He said the unions had worked to try and limit the number of employees who would lose out in the deal and provide safeguards for those who did. Neath Port Talbot CBC's employees have been invited to a briefing on equal pay compensation payments. Letters of invitation are being sent to 2,300 female council workers – cleaners, catering staff and care assistants – to explain their entitlement. The council's leader, Derek Vaughan, said: ‘Neath Port Talbot is one of only two or three councils in Wales which are making such speedy offers to its employees. This reflects the strong relationship between the council and trade unions.'
