Equal Pay Grievance Letter Template & Generator
How to formally challenge unequal pay compared to a colleague doing equal work — the essentials to get right, your rights, and instant free generation.
← All Letter Templates & Generators · Discrimination & Equality · Last updated 18 August 2026 · Written and reviewed by Matt Thompson, founder of UK Work Rights
This is free rights guidance, not legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, see our About page or contact Citizens Advice.
If you need to formally challenge unequal pay compared to a colleague doing equal work, a written letter is the recommended first step — it creates a clear record and shows you're pursuing the matter formally. Below is what a strong equal pay grievance should include, plus a free tool to generate yours.
What this letter needs to cover
- State it is a formal equal pay grievance
- Identify the comparator doing equal work
- Set out the pay difference
- Argue the work is of equal value
- Request disclosure of pay information
- Request a meeting to resolve the matter
Your right to equal pay for equal work
Under the Equality Act 2010, you're entitled to equal pay compared to a colleague of the opposite sex doing equal work — this covers "like work," work rated as equivalent, or work of equal value even if the job titles differ. If you can point to a comparator earning more for genuinely comparable work, that's the foundation of an equal pay claim.
What to include before you send it
- Details of your role and the comparator's role, showing why the work is equal or of equal value
- The pay difference you're aware of, and how you became aware of it
- A request for your employer to explain the difference or correct it
- Reference to your rights under the Equality Act 2010
What your employer can lawfully say in response
An employer can justify a pay difference if it's genuinely due to a factor unrelated to sex — such as length of service, qualifications, or performance — provided this can be objectively demonstrated. A vague response without genuine justification doesn't meet this bar.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find out what a colleague earns if it's confidential?
You can ask directly, and colleagues are legally protected from being disciplined for discussing pay with each other for the purpose of identifying pay discrimination.
How far back can I claim if there's been ongoing unequal pay?
Equal pay claims can generally cover a limited backdated period, so it's worth raising the issue as soon as you become aware of it rather than delaying.
Ready to write yours?
Answer a few questions and get a professionally drafted letter, ready to send — free, no account needed.
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