The Equality Bill and its proposed gender pay audits – How will they affect you?
Monday, 19 October 2009 09:00 - 11:00
The Work Foundation, 21 Palmer Street
Introduction
If the Equality Bill becomes law, many employers will have to report gender pay gaps from Oct 2010. Given the recession and the political climate, this has proved deeply contentious. Is Britain ready for gender pay audits?
The event in detail
The Equality Bill and its proposed gender pay audits – How they will affect you?
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(There has been) misleading and hysterical coverage of what the bill is actually providing for...
Kay Carberry, assistant general secretary, TUC, commissioner of the Equality and Human Right's Commission.
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We absolutely reject (the claim) that equality is a luxury we cannot afford at this time.
Vera Baird, QC MP, solicitor general
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Speakers:
Vera Baird, QC, MP, Solicitor General
Kay Carberry, Assistant General Secretary, TUC and Commissioner of the Equality and Human Rights Commission.
Katja Hall, director, employment policy, CBI.
Despite resistance from employers and the ongoing recession, the government is pressing ahead with plans to introduce equal pay audits as part of its Equality Bill. Private sector employers of more than 250 people and public sector employers of 150 will have to carry out audits and report their gender pay gaps. The government and unions argue that more openness around pay is needed to tackle pay discrimination. Many employers, meanwhile, are supportive of greater diversity, but complain of bureaucracy and fear rising employment tribunal claims. Is Britain ready for gender pay audits?
This event was chaired by Will Hutton, executive vice chair of The Work Foundation.