Whether, in respect of equal pay, it is aware of agreements and legal waivers that women have been asked to sign by some local authorities …

The Executive is aware thatoffers of compensation have been made by some local authorities in return foremployees waiving their right to pursue equal pay claims through the courts.These are issues for local authorities and their employees to determine and the Executive has no involvement in such matters.
The Executive has not issuedany specific guidance to local authorities in relation to their obligationsunder equal pay. General advice and guidance on such matters has, however, beenpublished by the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC). The Executive is workingclosely with the EOC on the Code of Practice and accompanying guidance for thegender duty, which will be published in the summer of 2006. Gender dutylegislation is contained in the Equality Act 2006 and does not come intoeffect until April 2007.