A row between Bolton Council and a trade union is at an end after the authority agreed to pay almost £300,000 to hundreds of workers.

The public service trade union Bolton UNISON claimed the sum was owed to a total of 2185 employees as a result of a miscalculation.

The council explained the reason for this is changes to the rules on holiday pay in particular for the workers in receipt of overtime pay.

Some of the employees received their back pay last month and others are set to receive their back pay this month, the trade union said.

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Christine Collins, the branch secretary for Bolton UNISON, said: "I am delighted Bolton UNISON secured back pay of nearly £300,000 in holiday pay for over 2000 workers. 

"We know many of our members are struggling with rising living costs, especially after a decade of below inflation pay rises, so the back pay could not come at a better time. 

"We must not forget, however, this is pay the workers were entitled to and should have received already. 

"For us the law is crystal clear, employers must take account of additional payments including overtime throughout the year when calculating workers' holiday pay. 

"Bolton Council have failed to do this so it is welcome news Bolton Council have accepted this principle. 

"Following discussions with HR, we have received a commitment to resolve this issue. Bolton UNISON is 100 per cent committed to fighting for our members."

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Those affected are a combination of council workers and school workers.

They are to receive the back pay as a one-off sum backdated two years.

Tony Cowell, a representative who works in refuse collection, added: "After almost two years of a constant battle, we got there in the end. 

"I am pleased we achieved this win for our workforce, thanks to the support of Christine Collins and the union."

A spokesperson for Bolton Council said: "In recent years, there have been a number of legal cases which have considered what should be included in the pay people receive when they are on holiday from work.

"Bolton Council has kept a close eye on these developments to consider what it means for our employees, and we have now agreed some changes to pay with our trade unions.

"These changes ensure we are compliant with employment legislation around holiday pay on overtime worked.

"This is in line with changes made by other local councils and public sector employers."

This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.