Harriet Harman: pay discrimination must end

28.04.09

This morning, Deputy Labour Leader, Harriet Harman, addressed the Usdaw annual conference on equality at work. She congratulated Usdaw on its work; including its contribution to the introduction of the minimum wage and its work on equality.

Ms Harman spoke on how yesterday’s Equalities Bill will affect Usdaw members, two thirds of whom are women:

“We will shine the spotlight in every workplace on the hidden pay discrimination against women. We know that, on average, women are paid 22% less per hour than men. I do not believe that is because women 22% less hard-working, committed or experienced than men. It is pay discrimination and the new Equality Bill will help us tackle it.

“It should not just be down to the woman to complain - it should be down to the employer to explain and to answer to the employees, to the unions, to customers and public opinion.

“So we will expect companies with 250 or more employees to report annually on their pay gap. If you’re fair, there is nothing to fear but if you’re not fair there will be no hiding place.”

John Hannett, Usdaw General Secretary, added:

“I am delighted that Harriet was able to speak to us today. We strongly support the Government’s new legislation, which sends out a strong message to both businesses and employees; inequality is inexcusable in the workplace or elsewhere.

“We will continue to work with the Government to make sure we are always moving forward to make our workplace and our society a fairer one for everyone.”