The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has reportedly begun checking gender pay gap information published by employers.
Writing for Lexology, Clare Davis, Associate in the employment team at Charles Russell Speechlys explained that, if the EHRC considers information to be inaccurate, it is writing to employers to ask for a breakdown so that it can assess the reported pay gap. It is also checking that gender pay gap information is available on the employer’s website.
Rebecca Hilsenrath, Chief Executive of the EHRC, warned back in March that gender pay gap reporting “is not optional; it is the law and we will be fully enforcing against all companies that do not report.
“This legislation is in place to bring about better gender equality in the workplace and any employer not complying needs to ask themselves tough questions, re-think their priorities, be prepared for serious reputational damage, and be ready to face a very unhappy workforce.”
Davis added that any letter received from the EHRC should not be ignored or taken lightly.
“Their [EHRC’s] enforcement powers include launching a formal investigation, with the details being made public and published on their website. Any continued breach could lead to court action and an unlimited fine,” said Davis.
“Going forward, the message to employers is to ensure the data they provide is accurate and to seek advice on any aspect which is unclear.”
