Equal Pay Claims Solicitors

Being paid fairly and equally for the work you do is a fundamental right in the UK. Unfortunately, pay inequality at work still affects many employees, whether that inequality is based on gender, ethnicity, or other protected characteristics. 

If you suspect you’re being underpaid compared with a colleague doing the same or equivalent work, you may be entitled to bring an equal pay claim.

This guide explains how the equal pay claims solicitors at Monaco Solicitors can help you understand your legal rights, identify unfair treatment, and take legal action where necessary. We’ll also outline how to gather evidence, how the claims process works, and what kind of equal pay compensation you may be entitled to.

For more on your equal pay workplace rights and what to do to realise them, see our practical Guide for employees on Equal Pay and our blog on Equal Pay for UK employees.

Specialist equal pay claims solicitors

At Monaco Solicitors, we specialise exclusively in employment law and only ever act for employees and workers – never for employers. Our expert team of equal pay claim solicitors has successfully helped many individuals stand up against unfair treatment and claim what they’re rightfully owed.

Whether you’re still in the role or have left your job, we can help you assess your situation, understand your rights, and take the right legal steps. We offer national coverage and handle most cases remotely, so you can get expert legal advice wherever you are in the UK.

We also know that bringing an equal pay claim can feel daunting. That’s why we approach every case with care, confidentiality, and a commitment to securing justice for our clients.

Understanding your right to equal pay

Your right to equal pay in the UK is set out in the Equality Act 2010. This Act says you are entitled to equal pay with a colleague of the opposite sex who is doing:

• The same or like work (Like work refers to work that is broadly similar and where any differences are not of significance.)
• Work rated as equivalent under a job evaluation scheme.
• Work of equal value in terms of effort, skill and decision-making.

It’s not enough for an employer to say your job title is different. The law looks at what you actually do in practice. If a valid ‘comparator’ (someone doing the same, similar or equivalent work for more money) earns more than you without a lawful reason, you may have a case under equal pay law.

Although equal pay disputes are most commonly based on gender, the law protects all employees from unjustifiable pay disparities.

 

Identifying unequal pay in the workplace

Recognising unequal pay can be tricky – employers rarely make it obvious. However, there are signs to look for:

• You discover that a colleague is paid more for doing the same or a very similar role.
• You’re excluded from bonuses or benefits that others in comparable roles receive.
• You suspect gender or another protected characteristic has influenced your pay.
• You are offered lower pay when joining a role already occupied by others.
• You receive no clear explanation for a pay difference.

To have a valid equal pay claim, you need to identify a real-life comparator. That’s someone of the opposite sex doing the same, similar or equivalent work for more money.

If you’re unsure, speak to one of our equal pay claims solicitors who can help assess whether your situation meets the legal threshold.

Gathering evidence for an equal pay claim

Evidence is key to building a strong case. Helpful sources include:

• Your employment contract and payslips.
• Job descriptions and performance appraisals.
• Internal emails, HR communications or salary reviews.
• Pay data or reports (if disclosed or made public).
• Witness accounts from colleagues.
• Details about the comparator’s job and salary.

You are legally entitled to ask your employer for pay data, although employers are not obliged to respond. We can help you draft such a request, or else you can attempt it yourself. A useful source of advice about asking your employer questions about equal pay is outlined in this Acas page. 

 

Taking legal action for pay discrimination

If informal discussions with your employer don’t resolve the issue, or your employer dismisses your concerns, legal action may be necessary.

The process usually includes:

1. Raising a grievance – Submit a formal written complaint through your employer’s internal grievance procedure.
2. Early Conciliation with Acas – Before going to tribunal, you must notify Acas and explore early settlement options.
3. Making a tribunal claim – If conciliation and negotiation fail, we can help you prepare and submit your claim for pay inequality at work to an employment tribunal.
4. Resolution – This could result in a financial settlement and settlement agreement or tribunal decision.

At Monaco Solicitors, we aim to secure equal pay claim settlements without the stress of an employment tribunal hearing where possible, but we can help you with some aspects of making a tribunal claim if needed.

 

Securing fair compensation and workplace equality

The aim of an equal pay claim is not only to fix the pay imbalance, but to compensate you for the harm caused. If your claim is successful, you may be entitled to:

• Back pay going back up to six years in England and Wales and five years in Scotland. (Back pay means the difference between the pay you actually received and the pay you would have received if you had been on an equal pay scheme.)
• Interest on the unpaid amount
• Equal pay moving forward
• Injury to feelings (in discrimination-based claims)
• Legal costs in exceptional cases

At Monaco Solicitors, many successful equal pay claims are resolved through negotiated settlement agreements. These may also include agreed references or confidentiality terms.

 

Why choose Monaco Solicitors’ equal pay claims solicitors?

Our firm brings together top-tier employment lawyers who have previously worked for large law firms, now focused solely on helping individuals. Here’s why clients choose us:

• We act only for employees and workers – never employers
• We are highly experienced in equal pay claims and negotiations
• We are transparent about legal fees and offer competitive rates
• We handle matters with professionalism, empathy and confidentiality
• We operate nationwide, with offices in London and remote services UK-wide

If you believe you are being underpaid compared to a colleague doing equivalent work, don’t settle for less. Speak to us today for expert support.

FAQs about equal pay claims

Here are some questions about equal pay claims which we often get asked, together with answers provided by our specialist equal pay claim solicitors. We hope you’ll find them helpful.

Q. What is an equal pay claim?

A. An equal pay claim is a legal action you can take if you’re paid less than someone of the opposite sex doing the same or equivalent work. It aims to correct the disparity and may also lead to compensation.

Q. What is the legal definition of “equal work” in the context of pay claims?

A. Equal work includes ‘like work’, work rated as equivalent, and work of equal value in terms of effort, skill and responsibility. The law looks beyond job titles to assess actual duties.

Q. How far back can an equal pay claim be made in the UK?

A. You can usually claim up to six years of back pay in England and Wales (five in Scotland), provided you bring the claim within six months of the end of your employment.

Q. What evidence do I need to support an equal pay claim?

A. Useful evidence includes payslips, contracts, job descriptions, internal correspondence, and information about a real-life comparator’s job and pay. A specialist equal pay claims solicitor can help build your case.

Q. What is the process for making an equal pay claim?

A. The process involves raising a grievance, going through ACAS Early Conciliation, and filing a tribunal claim if needed. Settlement negotiations may also be part of the process.

Q. How does the Equality Act 2010 relate to equal pay claims?

A. The Equality Act 2010 sets out your right to equal pay and outlines the conditions under which you can bring a legal claim for unlawful pay discrimination.

 

Contact us

If you believe you’re experiencing pay inequality at work, don’t wait. Monaco Solicitors are well established specialist employment lawyers whose dedicated team of equal pay claims solicitors is ready to help you take action and secure the compensation you deserve. Contact us today:

Email: communications@monacosolicitors.co.uk
Phone: 020 7717 5259
Online: via our online contact form