Women in the Shropshire workforce can finally expect equal pay under new laws to allow positive discrimination, says law firm FBC Manby Bowdler LLP.
Harriet Harman’s Equalities Bill will result in wide-ranging consequences for both workers and employers as she has set out plans to allow firms to discriminate in favour of female and ethnic minority job candidates.
Alasdair Hobbs, head of employment at FBC Manby Bowdler, said: “Employers must make sure they’re aware of these changes or risk facing hefty lawsuits.
“Although statistics show the pay gap between men and women has declined since 1997, female part-time workers still earn on average 40% less than their full-time male counterparts. This bill is great news for female employees as it should help address the gender pay gap.
“The government is trying to force the gap to close by exposing pay disparities within public services, as well as launching investigations into sectors with a bad record for equal pay. There are also plans to outlaw secrecy clauses in employment contracts designed to prevent staff from discussing their salaries.”
The new equality bill will also tackle age discrimination.
“Pensioners are going to be protected from age discrimination by health and financial services. This should stop them being refused medical treatment solely because of their age and should also mean that upper age limits for life insurance, car hire or holiday insurance are removed,” Hobbs continued.
The bill will not affect businesses offering services to specific age groups such as Club 18-30 holidays or Saga insurance.
“Currently there are 35 Acts, 52 statutory instruments, 32 codes of practice and 16 EC directives all covering equality, some of which contradict each other. The new equality bill is welcome clarification for a very complex area of the law and will hopefully make it clear whether the employer is liable in different situations.”
Theresa May, Shadow Commons leader, has stated that: “This bill should seek to unite not divide – it has good intentions but its lack of detail and clarity is disappointing.”
“I would advise that any employer who is confused about the new bill seeks professional advice,” concluded Hobbs.
For further information please contact Alasdair Hobbs on on 01902 578000 or a.hobbs@fbcmb.co.uk
