FRUSTRATED prison service workers across England and Wales have won their battle for equal pay – netting a staggering £50m in payouts. Thousands of staff will benefit from the windfall after a deal was struck to settle equal pay claims, the Public and Com

FRUSTRATED prison service workers across England and Wales have won their battle for equal pay - netting a staggering £50m in payouts.

Thousands of staff will benefit from the windfall after a deal was struck to settle equal pay claims, the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) said.

Individual payouts will range from £500 to £50,000, according to the PCS.

Many staff will benefit from the money, mostly women who work in administrative and managerial jobs in the prison service.

It was argued by the union that pay gaps of up to £4,000 existed between the jobs when compared to other service roles.

Starting salaries would also be increased by up to £3,000, the PCS said.

"This is a significant step in addressing the pay inequalities that riddle the civil service," said PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka.

"After more than seven years of legal process, the perseverance of PCS members means that the Prison Service is taking steps to address the glaring pay inequalities that exist."

Prison Service director general Phil Wheatley said: "These were complex cases which needed to take into account the different and demanding requirements of jobs within the prison service.