25 OCTOBER 2018

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The DCMS Committee today published its report on equal pay at the BBC. The report finds that the BBC is failing to live up to its duty under the Equality Act to advance equal opportunity for women, and says that new pay reforms at the corporation have serious shortcomings.

The Fawcett Society Chief Executive Sam Smethers said:

"The Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee report is damning on the question of unequal pay at the BBC. The focus now has to be on improving transparency, pay and recruitment practices at the Corporation and correcting pay inequalities including back pay and pension contributions that women are owed. Not only for high earners but for all."

Chair of the DCMS Committee Damian Collins MP said:

“The BBC acts as a beacon in public life. As an employer it has an even higher level of duty than others to advance equality of opportunity – but this it has failed to do. The BBC must take urgent action now if it’s to restore its reputation on equal pay and win back the trust of staff. There must be a reduction in the time taken to resolve grievances.”

Read the full report here.

Former BBC China Editor Carrie Gracie earlier this year chose to donate her backdated pay from the BBC to the Fawcett Society, to set up a fund for women who need legal advice on equal pay claims and to support Fawcett’s strategic legal work. 

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