Business network praises equality bill
Wed, 29 Apr 2009
Everywoman, a leading provider of resources and advice for women in business, has welcomed the new equality bill.
The network says the proposed legislation will help tackle age and gender discrimination in many sectors of society.
According to Toni Eastwood OBE, training director for everywoman, the bill is welcome, although it is somewhat "disappointing" that the naming and shaming of employers through salary audits has been deemed necessary to narrow the gender pay gap.
She stated: "We welcome this bill and the steps it is taking towards achieving a more equal and balanced workplace.
"In order for companies to remain productive and competitive throughout the downturn, employing the most skilled and qualified staff is crucial, and offering equal working conditions to both men and women will ensure the best talent is attracted to your company, regardless of their background."
Recent figures from the Office for National Statistics indicate that women's hourly pay is currently 17.1 per cent less than men's per annum.
Median weekly earnings of full-time employees in 2008 for women were 21 per cent less than those for men, unchanged from 2007.
Should it enter the statute books, the equality bill will make it mandatory for companies to publish gender pay gap reports as of 2013.
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