News

Council pay female employees nearly 25% less, data reveals

Published

8 years ago

April 11, 2018

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL have been found to pay their female employees on average almost a quarter less than their male colleagues.

Businesses in Wales with over 250 employees were ordered to submit data on mean and median gender pay gaps by the Government Equalities Office last week. Only 5 of the 22 local authorities in Wales that employ over 250 workers have submitted the data as things stand, and it is Pembrokeshire that currently has the largest pay gap between men and women, at an average of 23.4% higher wages for male employees.

28% of the 5,250 people employed by Pembrokeshire County Council are women, yet nearly a third of them are in the bottom quarter of hourly pay, in comparison to the mere 8% of men in the same bracket. Nearly two thirds of men working at the council are in the top half of earnings, whilst only 45% of women can say the same.

Out of all the councils to have released figures, only Newport reported that female employees get a higher hourly median rate compared to their male equivalents, with the difference 3% in favour of women.

Janet Wyer, the UNISON Secretary for the Pembrokeshire branch said: “Pembrokeshire County Council’s workforce has always been bottom-weighted with low paid women in the lower grades. The imposed pay and grading structure of 2013 has done nothing to change that.”

A Pembrokeshire County Council spokesperson responded to the findings, saying that: “It should be noted that a number of part-time jobs traditionally associated with women, such as cleaning, catering, care and clerical work, are the backbone of local government and are provided in-house by the council and not out-sourced (as in some other local authorities).”

This is not the first time the issue of gender pay equality has been levelled against Pembrokeshire County Council, as in 2016 a legal settlement was reached after 100 former female employees found they were not paid the full amount due to them under equal pay legislation, whilst working for the council in a variety of roles.

The total pay-out was believed to approach £200,000. This came after a £3.5m settlement by the Council to settle historic equal pay claims in 2012.

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

8 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

8 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

8 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.