FEMALE staff at a care home chain embarked on a legal battle for equal pay yesterday after discovering that they were receiving hundreds of pounds less than their male counterparts.

Carers working for Avery Healthcare are seeking compensation for six years of underpayment — a clear breach of the Equality and Equal Pay Acts.

Of the thousands of workers possibly affected, 62 women are now being represented by Leigh Day solicitors and general union GMB.

Leigh Day partner Chris Benson said: “Despite our extensive experience in the field of equal pay, we were shocked to see the inequality between female carers and male staff undertaking work of equal value within care homes run by Avery.

“While it is recognised in some sectors that women are undervalued and underpaid, I did not expect to see this happen in care homes.

“These women carry out the most important role in this organisation — caring for vulnerable residents.”

Avery runs 15 homes across England, including a specialised dementia centre in London.

GMB care sector national officer Justin Bowden said: “Paying somebody less for the job they do because they are a woman was outlawed in Britain in 1970.

“Yet incredibly — some 45 years after the Equal Pay Act was passed — Avery Healthcare are paying female carers and other vital front-line staff they employ hundreds of pounds a year less than males in equal occupations.

“The level of sex discrimination displayed by the Avery Healthcare Group towards these women they employ is breathtaking.”