Survey Reveals Persistent Gender Pay Gap Ahead of International Equal Pay Day

A recent survey commissioned by Acas and conducted by YouGov has highlighted a significant concern regarding pay inequality in the workplace, with more than one-third of women (36%) believing they are not paid equally to men within their organizations. This comes ahead of International Equal Pay Day on September 18th.

Despite legal requirements mandating equal pay for equal work, the survey indicates that perceptions of pay disparity continue to prevail. While only 10% of men reported believing they earn more than their female colleagues, the gender pay gap remains a pressing issue across various sectors.

Acas, which offers dispute resolution services for employment tribunal claims, has seen a 34% increase in early conciliation cases from 2022/23 to 2023/24. This rise underscores the ongoing challenges related to pay disputes in the workplace.

Julie Dennis, Head of Inclusive Workplaces at Acas, emphasized the need for transparent pay policies: “Having an equal pay policy can help bosses be open and clear with their staff about how they achieve equal pay and how they will resolve any pay issues. This can help tackle any perceptions that men are being paid more than women and ensure employers are not breaking the law.”

Acas advises employers, particularly those with more than 50 employees, to conduct equal pay audits or reviews to identify and address any disparities. Employees who suspect they are receiving less pay than their male counterparts for the same work are encouraged to raise the issue with their employer or follow formal grievance procedures.

As organizations strive to promote transparency and fairness, addressing the gender pay gap remains a critical issue. Ensuring equal compensation for all employees, regardless of gender, is essential for fostering a fair and inclusive workplace environment.