Roles for reps

The most effective way for an organisation to uncover unequal pay and put it right is to carry out an Equal Pay Review (EPR). These are sometimes called Equal Pay Audits.

A recent EOC study highlighted how crucial workplace reps are in campaigning for EPRs in the workplace.

Close the Gap recommends to employers that trade unions be involved in any steering group overseeing an EPR.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission published sets of guidance for large employers and small employers on how to carry out an EPR. These recommend a five-step process, as follows:

1. Plan how you are going to check your pay arrangements.
2. Identify jobs involving similar levels of skill and knowledge.
3. Collect and compare pay information.
4. Identify the causes of pay gaps in all elements of pay.
5. Change pay where it is not fair and equal.