Labour Court rejects Mandate appeal over security allowance for female buyers

In 2003, the Labour Court rejected Mandate’s appeal and upheld the Equality Officer’s recommendation in a dispute over an additional security allowance paid to male buyers at Anthony Ryan & Sons Limited. The determination was dated 22 January 2003. The union argued that female claimants did like work with male comparators and should receive the weekly £36.23 allowance, equivalent to €46, for locking up and securing the shop. The company said the duties carried extra responsibility and required the comparators to stay after closing. After a work inspection, the Court found that the security duties brought greater mental effort and responsibility, and more onerous working conditions. It concluded the work was not like work under the Anti-Discrimination (Pay) Act, 1974.