City Council Underpaid Workers.

Hundreds of workers are threatening to take the city council to a tribunal after rejecting a compensation deal for being underpaid for years.

Staff were offered a package worth £4,000 after it emerged there was a problem over some pay grades.

In many cases, women have been paid less than men for doing equivalent jobs, some for several years.

About 4,500 employees are affected and the money overed to workers would cost the council about £12 million.

However, many staff say they may reject the offer and may try to get more money by going to a tribunal.

Union bosses are still discussing options with workers, but are not advising them to accept the council deal.

Mike Brown, regional organiser for union Unison said: "If someone has an equal pay claim, they could be entitled to up to six years back pay and the offer being made is not that.

"We'll be advising them of their alternative right to make an equal pay claim.