Equal-Pay Claims That Broke Birmingham Set to Spread Across UK

GMB plans more legal action after win against UK’s second city
Union’s work a strain for both Sunak’s government and Labour

Birmingham City Council was forced to effectively declare bankruptcy after being hit by a crippling bill from an equal-pay claim. Others may follow.Photographer: Hollie Adams/Bloomberg

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By Tom Rees

November 18, 2023 at 5:00 AM UTC

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Equal-pay claims that tipped Britain’s second-biggest city into bankruptcy are likely to spread to more local government authorities, deepening a funding crisis that’s cutting into the public services.