Employers entering “last chance saloon” to report their gender pay gap

MInd the Gap (F), gender pay gap

Employers are entering the “last chance saloon” to report their gender pay gap, according to the Equalities and Human Rights Commission (EHRC).

The EHRC’s warning comes as it publishes its final strategy on how the new regulations will be enforced.

Businesses in the UK with over 250 employees have until 4 April to release their gender pay gap data.

The EHRC strategy reveals that for those companies who do not comply with the law, enforcement action will start when the Commission writes to all employers who have not released data.

The letters will be sent on 9 April and employers will be given 28 days to comply before an investigation takes place and an unlawful act notice is issued. Failure to comply with the regulations will ultimately lead to an unlimited fine decided by the courts.

Rebecca Hilsenrath, Chief Executive of the Equality and Human Rights Commission said, “Employers with 250 or more staff still have time to report their gender pay gap.”

“The clock is ticking and with just ten days to go, those who haven’t reported really are entering the last chance saloon.”

“This is not optional; it is the law and we will be fully enforcing against all companies that do not report.”

“This legislation is in place to bring about better gender equality in the workplace and any employer not complying needs to ask themselves tough questions, re-think their priorities, be prepared for serious reputational damage, and be ready to face a very unhappy workforce.”

Jemima Olchawski, Head of Policy and Insight at the Fawcett Society added, “The gender pay gap represents a productivity gap.”

“It’s bad for women who lost out on potential earnings and career opportunities but also bad for businesses who are failing to properly recruit, promote and reward women.”

“Pay gap reporting is an opportunity to look at the data, understand the cause and nature of the gap in an organisation and develop a plan to close it.”

“McKinsey estimate that the UK could add £150 billion to GDP if we improve performance on gender balance in the workplace – so employers really can’t afford not to act.”

About the author

Alison is the Digital Content Editor for WeAreTheCity. She has a BA Honours degree in Journalism and History from the University of Portsmouth. She has previously worked in the marketing sector and in a copywriting role. Alison’s other passions and hobbies include writing, blogging and travelling.
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