8th March 2017

As we celebrate International Women’s Day here at the By Design Group HQ, we thought that a timely reminder may be useful to employers that the new gender pay reporting obligations come into force next month.

Following significant consultation, the much publicised Equality Act 2010 (Gender Pay Gap Reporting) Regulations 2017 have been introduced in an attempt by the Government to close the gender pay gap. National statistics have been recorded by the Office of National Statistics since 1997 and, on average, men are paid more than women despite increased protection under current equality legislation.

All private and voluntary sector organisations with 250 or more employees will be required to review a snap shot of gender pay and bonus gap information on 5 April 2017. The latest date to publish the information on employer’s websites and to a government website is 4 April 2018. This will apply to public bodies in due course following the publication of draft Regulations in January 2017. ACAS have also published some draft non statutory guidance.

Whilst there is no formal penalty, employer’s run the risk of being publicly named and shamed for none compliance – not something to aspire to if your business wants to be an employer of choice and retain a diverse talent base.  Organisations will also need to think carefully about how to handle and communicate the resultant gap information to avoid potential claims for equal pay under the Equality Act and to any reputational damage, externally.

If handled appropriately, addressing the gender pay gap will help organisations focus more on the equal contribution that both men and women make to their workplaces and will help create fairer working environments.

The By Design Group can support you in a number of ways:

• Helping you understand the pay gap calculations
• Reviewing your gender pay gap and advising on any risks including steps to identify a gender-neutral reason
• Drafting internal and external communications

For more information, please contact Kirsty MacDonald by email at kirsty.macdonald@lawbydesign.co.uk.

Happy International Women’s Day!