You are here: Home - Household Bills - News -

Government urged to get tougher on ethnicity pay gap

0
Written by: Emma Lunn
19/04/2023
The Government has introduced ethnicity pay gap reporting guidance – but unions say ministers need to make pay gap reporting mandatory.

The Government guides are a collaboration between the Race Disparity Unit, Equality Hub and the Department for Business and Trade. They have been published as part of an update on the Government’s progress regarding its ‘Inclusive Britain’ action plan announced last year.

The plan detailed the need to address ethnicity pay gap reporting challenges, and support employers looking to promote greater fairness in the workplace.

The guidance includes advice on collecting ethnicity pay data, and how to consider data issues such as confidentiality, aggregating ethnic groups and the location of employees, and reporting the findings.

Kemi Badenoch, minister for women and equalities, said: “The concrete actions we have delivered over the last year are improving people’s day-to-day lives, but I know that we need to do more to tackle disparities and build people’s trust in our great institutions.

“The groundbreaking Inclusive Britain Action Plan was an excellent first step, and we will continue to deliver on its promises, tackling the complex causes behind racial disparities with data-driven action. We must all work together to ensure no-one is held back by their race, social or ethnic background.”

‘Too often BME workers are paid less for doing the same job’

But the Trades Union Congress (TUC) has called for mandatory ethnicity pay gap reporting “without delay”.

Paul Nowak, TUC general secretary, said: “The harsh reality is that even today, structural racism plays a big role in determining Black workers’ pay and career prospects.

“Too often BME workers are paid less for doing the same job as their white colleagues. Ministers must take bold action to confront inequality and racism in the labour market. The obvious first step is mandatory ethnicity pay gap reporting – not just voluntary guidance.

“And alongside publishing the raw data, every employer should have to publish an action plan setting out how they will close their pay gap. That will really drive more equal workplaces. Business and unions are united in their support for compulsory pay gap monitoring. Ministers must bring it in without delay.”

There are 0 Comment(s)

If you wish to comment without signing in, click your cursor in the top box and tick the 'Sign in as a guest' box at the bottom.

Big flu jab price hikes this winter: Where’s cheapest if you can’t get a free vaccine?

Pharmacies, supermarkets and health retailers are starting to offer flu jabs ahead of the winter season, but t...

Is now the time to fix your energy deal?

Fixed energy tariffs all but disappeared during the energy crisis. But now they are back with an increasing nu...

Octopus steps in to buy Shell Energy – what customers need to know

The deal is expected to complete in the fourth quarter of 2023 and will take Octopus Energy’s retail supply ...

What will happen if rates change

How your finances will be impacted by a rise in interest rates.

Regular Savings Calculator

Small regular contributions can build up nicely over time.

Online Savings Calculator

Work out how your online savings can build over time.

The best student bank accounts in 2023: Cash offers, tastecards and 0% overdrafts

A number of banks are luring in new student customers with cold hard cash this year – while others are compe...

DIY investors: 10 common mistakes to avoid

For those without the help and experience of an adviser, here are 10 common DIY investor mistakes to avoid.

Mortgage down-valuations: Tips to avoid pulling out of a house sale

Down-valuations are on the rise. So, what does it mean for home buyers, and what can you do?

Money Tips of the Week