Equality campaigners welcome pay audits

UNISON and the Fawcett Society have welcomed many of the measures in the Equalities Bill, published today, 27 April, 2009, including equal pay audits, but believe that more action is needed if women are to achieve equal pay.

UNISON director of organising and membership Bronwyn McKenna said: "Unless we have transparency in pay rates, women will never get true equality. We welcome the emphasis on equal pay audits, but this duty will apply to only 0.4% of employers.

"Employers' organisations have been lining up to condemn this measure, but good employers, whatever their size, who treat their women staff fairly have nothing to fear from this.

"This Bill is a chance to make equal pay a reality, so we have to get it right."

UNISON has a million women members and has been battling for equal pay for women for decades. As well as negotiating for equal pay, it currently has more than 40,000 equal pay cases outstanding against public sector employers.

Meanwhile, Fawcett Society head of campaigns Jessica Woodroffe said: "The government's recognition that the gender pay gap must be dealt with through pay audits is welcome, but the detail in the Bill does not match the rhetoric.

"Companies will only be asked to publish the difference in pay between men and women, not to demonstrate how they will end any pay discrimination.

"Given that so little may be required from companies, it is all the more disappointing that nothing will happen for another four years.

"As it stands, the Bill will not prevent women being paid less than men or deliver justice to those unfairly paid. Forty years after the passing of the Equal Pay Act it is time for tougher action."