Menu
02/05/2002
Survey reveals issue of equal pay still needs solution
A new survey has suggested that the pay gap between women and men is wider in the UK than in most other countries in the European Union.
According to research carried out by the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions, women throughout the European Union are paid less than men, with the average wage for women in the UK coming in at 24.1% less than men for the equivalent job.
In contrast, in Luxembourg, women earnings amount to 89% of men's earning, with Ireland, Denmark, Finland and Sweden also maintaining a good record when it comes to pay equality.
Among the worst offenders were Portugal and Austria, as women in the latter country receive, on average 33% less than men for the same job.
Earlier this year, the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) issued a warning to employers throughout the UK to address the issue of unequal pay, as statistics revealing women graduates earning 37% less than men represented exactly the same gap between male and female earnings when the Equal Pay Act was passed in 1970.
EOC chairperson, Julie Mellor, commented: "If employers want to recruit the brightest and the best in future, they are going to have to be able to prove that they provide equal pay.
"The key action employers can take is to review pay. If they don't there will be huge pressure for legislation."
(CL)
According to research carried out by the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions, women throughout the European Union are paid less than men, with the average wage for women in the UK coming in at 24.1% less than men for the equivalent job.
In contrast, in Luxembourg, women earnings amount to 89% of men's earning, with Ireland, Denmark, Finland and Sweden also maintaining a good record when it comes to pay equality.
Among the worst offenders were Portugal and Austria, as women in the latter country receive, on average 33% less than men for the same job.
Earlier this year, the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) issued a warning to employers throughout the UK to address the issue of unequal pay, as statistics revealing women graduates earning 37% less than men represented exactly the same gap between male and female earnings when the Equal Pay Act was passed in 1970.
EOC chairperson, Julie Mellor, commented: "If employers want to recruit the brightest and the best in future, they are going to have to be able to prove that they provide equal pay.
"The key action employers can take is to review pay. If they don't there will be huge pressure for legislation."
(CL)
Related Northern Ireland Business News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
17 February 2005
Knowledge gap holds back equal pay, says Acas
Low levels of understanding by employees and employers is one of the key factors holding back the establishment of equal pay, employment relations group, Acas, has claimed.
Knowledge gap holds back equal pay, says Acas
Low levels of understanding by employees and employers is one of the key factors holding back the establishment of equal pay, employment relations group, Acas, has claimed.
11 March 2002
Employers urged to address issue of equal pay
Employers have been urged to apply for a Castle Award, the new mark of excellence which will reward employers’ efforts in tackling equal pay issues.
Employers urged to address issue of equal pay
Employers have been urged to apply for a Castle Award, the new mark of excellence which will reward employers’ efforts in tackling equal pay issues.
14 August 2002
Raw deal for women
Women graduates still earn less than men across all sectors and occupations in the UK, according to a new Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) report published on August 13.
Raw deal for women
Women graduates still earn less than men across all sectors and occupations in the UK, according to a new Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) report published on August 13.
26 October 2004
Breaking 'jobs for the boys' culture key to pay equality, says DTI
Tackling occupational segregation – opening up male-dominated industries to women – is the key to closing the gender pay gap which currently stands at 19.5%, according to the trade department.
Breaking 'jobs for the boys' culture key to pay equality, says DTI
Tackling occupational segregation – opening up male-dominated industries to women – is the key to closing the gender pay gap which currently stands at 19.5%, according to the trade department.
22 April 2002
Equal pay employers urged to seek 'Castle' standard
Denis Haughey, MLA and James Leslie, MLA, Ministers in the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister, have welcomed a new UK-wide initiative, which will enable women job seekers to identify more easily employers offering them the best equal pay deal.
Equal pay employers urged to seek 'Castle' standard
Denis Haughey, MLA and James Leslie, MLA, Ministers in the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister, have welcomed a new UK-wide initiative, which will enable women job seekers to identify more easily employers offering them the best equal pay deal.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
