Equal Pay Claims Solicitors in London

You work hard and deserve to be paid fairly, no matter what your gender or background is. But if you’ve found out that a colleague is earning more than you for doing the same or equivalent work, you may have a legal right to challenge that difference. 

Equal pay claims in London are becoming increasingly common as more employees are recognising their rights and taking action.

In this guide, we explain how Monaco Solicitors’ equal pay claim solicitors in London can help you pursue justice, what’s involved in the claims process, and how to start gathering evidence. Whether you’re still employed or recently left your employment, we’re here to make the legal process accessible and effective for you.

See our practical Guide for employees on Equal Pay and blog on Equal Pay for UK employees for more on your workplace rights and how to realise them.

 

Making an equal pay claim in London: expert legal support from Monaco Solicitors

At Monaco Solicitors, we act only for employees and workers – never for employers. Our experienced team includes specialist equal pay claim solicitors in London who have helped people from a range of sectors, including finance, healthcare, media, insurance and the legal profession.

London’s fast-paced working culture can make it difficult to speak up, especially in larger firms where internal processes feel overwhelming. We support clients across the capital – whether you’re in Canary Wharf, the West End, the City or beyond – with a confidential and professional service designed to protect your rights.

We work via video, phone, email and sometimes in person, and understand the pressures of pursuing legal action while continuing to work in your role. That’s why we focus on clear advice and realistic outcomes tailored to your circumstances.

What is an equal pay claim?

An equal pay claim is a legal challenge brought against an employer when you’re being paid less than a colleague of the opposite sex who is doing ‘like work’, equivalent work, or work of equal value.

Common signs that you might have a case include:

• You’ve discovered a pay gap for doing a very similar role
• You’ve been denied a bonus, benefit or allowance that is given to others
• You’ve been offered a lower salary despite having equal (or better) qualifications and experience than someone else
• A pay review process has resulted in unjustified differences between you and a colleague of the opposite sex

These cases often arise from systemic or unconscious bias – but proving the underlying reason for pay inequality is not required to make a successful claim. What matters is the pay inequality at work, not how or why it came about.

The equal pay claim process: step-by-step

If you’re thinking about bringing an equal pay claim in London, here’s how the process typically unfolds at Monaco Solicitors:

1. Initial assessment – We review your situation and advise whether you have a potential claim under equal pay law.
2. Comparator identification – You need to identify and name a real-life ‘comparator’ of the opposite sex who is paid more for the same or equivalent work.
3. Evidence gathering – We advise you on how to compile relevant documents, communications, and any available pay data.
4. Raising a grievance – You’ll most likely be advised to raise a formal grievance with your employer – if you haven’t already done so – giving them a chance to respond to your allegations about unequal pay.
5. Negotiating for a settlement – We start negotiations on your behalf to try to reach a settlement agreement and compensation for the unequal pay situation.
6. Acas ‘Early Conciliation’ – If negotiations continue for longer than expected, or come to a standstill, you will be guided though this mandatory pre-claim stage via Acas, to try and reach a settlement before your case goes to an employment tribunal.
7. Employment tribunal proceedings – If Early Conciliation doesn’t lead to resolution, we’ll help you submit an employment tribunal claim (though we don’t represent individuals in tribunals).

Many equal pay claim settlements are achieved through negotiation or conciliation and are confirmed out of court by way of a settlement agreement. But if there is no other option, we can offer you some guidance to get your rights fully upheld at an employment tribunal hearing.

Time limits for bringing an equal pay claim

Strict deadlines apply to equal pay claims in London, so it’s essential not to delay:

• Ongoing employment: You can bring an equal pay claim at any time while you’re still employed, but no more than six months after the end of your employment.
• Back pay: If your claim is successful, you can usually recover up to six years of back pay (five years in Scotland). That’s the difference between what you actually received and the amount you should have received if you had been on equal pay.

If you miss the deadline, you may lose the right to claim, even if the inequality was clear. Making early contact with Monaco Solicitors’ experienced equal pay claims solicitors in London will give you the best chance of success.

FAQs about equal pay claims

Here is a selection of frequently asked questions – together with answers – that clients frequently ask, and which we hope you too will find useful.

Q. How long does an equal pay claim typically take to resolve in the UK?

A. It varies. Some cases are settled during what’s called Early Conciliation within a few weeks, while others may take several months or longer if they go to tribunal. Your solicitor will advise based on the complexity of your case.

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

A. Evidence may include contracts, payslips, job descriptions, performance reviews, emails, HR documents, and details about your comparator’s pay. A specialist employment solicitor can help you gather this information legally and effectively.

Q. Can I make an equal pay claim if I am no longer employed by the company in question?

A. Yes, but you must bring your claim within six months of the end of your employment. If you left more than six months ago, you may be out of time unless there are exceptional circumstances.

Q. What are the time limits for bringing an equal pay claim in the UK, and what happens if I miss them?

A. You must bring your claim within six months of leaving the job. If you miss this window, your claim may be rejected unless there’s a very good reason for the delay, which is rare.

Q. Are there specific challenges or considerations for equal pay claims involving large London-based corporations?

A. Yes. Larger employers often have formal processes, legal teams and established pay structures. But they may also be more vulnerable to reputational risks. A solicitor can help you navigate these dynamics to your advantage.

 

Get in touch with our equal pay claims solicitors today

If you’ve been affected by unfair pay practices in your workplace, you don’t have to put up with it. Monaco Solicitors are a London-based specialist employment law firm. Our team of equal pay solicitors in London is here to help you understand your rights and pursue the outcome you deserve.

Email: communications@monacosolicitors.co.uk
Call us: 020 7717 5259
Online: fill in our online contact form and we’ll respond quickly and in confidence.