The Equal Pay Act gives men and women the right to equality in the terms of their contract of employment. It covers both pay and other terms and conditions such as piecework, output and bonus payments, holidays and sick leave.

In order to bring a claim, a person must compare themselves with an actual person of the opposite sex who is treated more favourably and is shown to be employed to do like work or work of equal value. This person is their "comparator".

They can compare themselves with a predecessor or successor in their job.

'Like work' includes work that is of a broadly similar nature with any differences being of no practical importance.

'Work of equal value' requires determination by a Tribunal appointed expert or by a pre-existing job evaluation study carried out by the Employer.

A claim must be brought at any time during employment or within six months of leaving that job. A claim can be made by any worker regardless of age.

A defence is available to the employer that the differential in benefits is due to a material factor other than sex.