Fawcett comments on EHRC investigation into BBC pay discrimination

12 March 2019

Today the EHRC has announced an investigation into equal pay at the BBC, following complaints that female employees were not being paid equally with men.

Sam Smethers, Chief Executive at The Fawcett Society, said:

"We welcome this investigation. Pay discrimination should have no place in modern workplaces yet we know from our Equal Pay Advice Service that it is all too common.

"We urge the EHRC to consider equal value claims as well as those for equal work. We hope this results in lasting change at the BBC and acts as a warning to other employers too."

Last year, The Fawcett Society launched an Equal Pay Advice Service, started with a donation from Carrie Gracie of her backpay from the BBC. The Service is run in partnership with YESS Law, and aims to provide free legal advice for women on low incomes. Access the service here.

We have also set up an Equal Pay Fund, with donations going towards the service. Support the Equal Pay Fund now.

Latest

Transforming Early Childhood Education and Care: Part 2

Fawcett's new report draws on expertise from around the world to create a blueprint for an ECEC system that is not only fit for purpose, but fit for the future.
Join our movement for women's rights

We campaign for gender equality. At home, at work, and in public life. Join us — become a Fawcett member today!
A Bookshop of One's Own

Author of Stand We At Last and longstanding Fawcett member Zoe Fairbairns reviews Jane Cholmeley's A Bookshop of One's Own.
FAQs - Public Harms Call for Evidence

Fawcett welcomes Labour's proposals for a Race Equality Act

Labour has taken up a number of Fawcett proposals in their plans to introduce a Race Equality Act.
Equal Pay Day: Our Flagship Campaign

Equal Pay Day is the day of the year when women stop earning relative to men due to the gender pay gap.
The Worker Protection Bill will become law

With the support of Fawcett, this critical reform has passed its final stage in the House of Commons which means it will become law before the end of this year.
WE WON: Fawcett complaint about Clarkson column upheld on basis of sexism

This is the first time the Independent Press Standards Organisations (IPSO) has upheld a complaint on the basis of sexism.
Our new Chair, Harriet Harman

Mother of the House Harriet Harman joins the Fawcett Society as incoming Chair.
Fawcett research shows Black and minoritised mothers hit hardest by pay penalty

A new report from the Fawcett Society, supported by the #EthnicityPayGap Campaign, shows how the ‘Motherhood Pay Penalty’ compounds the effects of the ethnicity pay gap.
The gender pay gap in 2022: what do voters in marginal ‘red wall’ constituencies want to see?

In our commissioned poll for Equal Pay Day 2022, Fawcett discovered which policies addressing the gender pay gap would win 'red wall' votes.
Take action to save legislation tackling sexual harassment

Write to your MP asking them to help save the Worker Protection Bill and ensure protections for women from sexual harassment.
Alliance update on the Worker Protection Bill

We urge the Government to ensure the safe passage of the Worker Protection Bill through the House of Lords.
Fawcett responds to latest gender pay gap reporting

The high level of reporting today is good news, but it is disappointing that progress on closing the gender pay gap has all but stagnated.

Who we are

The Fawcett Society is the UK’s leading membership charity campaigning for gender equality and women’s rights. If you believe in a society where no one is prevented from reaching their full potential because of their gender, join us today.
Work with us
Join our movement for women's rights

We campaign for gender equality. At home, at work, and in public life. Join us — become a Fawcett member today!
Our history

Millicent Fawcett began campaigning for women’s equality in 1866, and was instrumental in achieving first votes for women in 1918. At The Fawcett Society, we’ve continued her legacy of fighting sexism through impactful research and hard-hitting campaigns for over 155 years.
Close the gender pay gap

Did you know it will take 100 years to close the gender pay gap at current rates? We cannot afford to keep going backwards.
Fawcett research shows exposure to gender stereotypes as a child causes harm in later life

7 MARCH 2019: New polling today shows ‘significant and wide-ranging consequences for both women and men’.
Equal Pay

The Equal Pay Act in the UK is not fit for purpose. We're calling to end pay secrecy with a legal 'Right to Know'. The time for change is now.
Find a local group

We’re delighted to have a growing number of active and effective local women’s rights meet ups, who work in the local community to enforce change and campaign on our behalf. Their work is invaluable to Fawcett.
Sex Discrimination Law Review

How do we make equality law in the UK fit for the 21st century? Create a fairer and more equal society by supporting our Law Review.
Equality – it’s about time: Timeline of women’s rights 1866-2016

29 JANUARY 2016