A recent survey by YouGov has revealed that 36% of women believe they are receiving unequal pay compared to their male counterparts within their organisations. This finding comes ahead of International Equal Pay Day on 18th September, highlighting ongoing perceptions of pay disparity despite legal requirements advocating for equal pay for equal work.
The survey results also showed that only 10% of men felt they were paid more than their female colleagues. This disparity in perception underscores the persistent concern about the gender pay gap, which continues to affect women across various sectors.
The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas) has reported a 34% increase in early conciliation cases from 2022/23 to 2023/24. These cases often involve disputes over pay, indicating that pay inequality remains a significant issue in the workplace. Acas provides a dispute resolution service to help with potential employment tribunal claims and stresses the importance of having clear pay policies.
Julie Dennis, Head of Inclusive Workplaces at Acas, emphasised the need for transparency in pay policies: “Having an equal pay policy can help bosses be open and clear with their staff about how they achieve equal pay and how they will resolve any pay issues. This can help tackle any perceptions that men are being paid more than women and ensure employers are not breaking the law.”
Acas also advises employers to conduct equal pay audits or reviews, particularly in businesses with more than 50 employees, to identify and address any pay gaps. Employees who suspect they are being paid less than their male counterparts for the same work are encouraged to discuss the issue with their employer or seek formal grievance procedures.
The issue of equal pay remains crucial as organisations strive to promote transparency and fairness in the workplace. Ensuring that all employees, regardless of gender, are compensated equally for their contributions is essential for fostering a fair and inclusive work environment.
As the findings of the YouGov survey indicate, pay inequality is still perceived as a significant issue by a substantial proportion of women. The upcoming International Equal Pay Day serves as a timely reminder for organisations to reassess their pay structures and ensure compliance with equal pay legislation.