Seminars to help manufacturers tackle the gender pay gap and improve equality

EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation, is running a series of seminars around the UK designed to help firms tackle the gender pay gap and improve workplace gender equality.

The organisation says the seminars are the next stage in its campaign of support for companies as they gear up for compulsory gender pay reporting. The seminars follow the latest Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, issued by ONS, which shows a national average full-time gender pay gap of 9.4 percent for 2015.

EEF research shows that gender pay gap reporting is going to be a significant challenge for many companies – less than one in ten (nine percent) currently report any gender pay information. There is also little understanding of the forthcoming requirements, it says, plus the ability of companies to actually provide data is a “key concern”.

However, a reported 47 percent of firms see gender pay reporting as an opportunity to benchmark themselves against peers and other industries, while 38 percent say it will help them get to grips with their pay structures and auditing.

The seminars will look to overcome concerns and boost recognition of the benefits of gender pay reporting. They will explain the Government proposals for compulsory reporting and how companies can prepare in advance. Firms will also be able to discuss their own pay gap figures and experiences of gender equality issues.

Lucy Atherton, Legal Compliance expert at EEF, commented: “Many firms will dread the potential research and policy changes required by the gender pay gap requirements coming into effect next year. However, many have also been quick to spot the opportunity it provides to gather important data and identify areas for improvement. Companies that fully embrace this opportunity can expect to have more innovative and forward-thinking policies that attract and retain employees.”

Companies can find out more or book a place here: http://www.eef.org.uk/training/hr-and-employment-law/tackling-gender-pay-seminar.