Firms urged to check wage systems for equal pay
Thursday 02 September 2010
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EmailFirms have been urged to examine their wage systems to make sure they comply with equal pay laws over the persistent gap between the earnings of men and women.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) said full-time female workers were still paid 16.4 per cent per hour less than men on average, rising to 21.6 per cent in private sector.
The commission and the British Chambers of Commerce published a new guide so employers can check pay systems in four hours.
EHRC commissioner Jean Irvine said that, while transparency was not enough in itself to tackle the gender pay gap, it would help provide clarity.
"It is difficult, if not impossible, to resolve a problem that cannot be seen," she said.
"What we ask of small and medium-size employers is not difficult.
"It takes minimal time and effort but can offer a real return. Linking equal work to equal pay will see employees rewarded fairly for the work they do."
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