As part of its work to tackle gender inequalities, the Government Equalities Office (GEO) published a report on 3rd July, Gender equality at every stage: a roadmap for change report.
The report outlines the government’s intention to undertake a review of gender pay reporting metrics, evaluate shared parental leave and consult on providing dedicated employment rights for carers.
The GEO have identified areas of gender inequality including,
The evidence gathered will then be used to update the reporting legislation. The consultation on any proposed changes will be concluded by 2021.
Government are also intending to enhance the online gender pay gap reporting service to ensure that information is presented in a user-friendly way, review the enforcement of equal pay legislation to ensure effectiveness, carry out a review of shared parental pay and leave by the end of 2019 to determine its ongoing effectiveness, in addition, a digital tool will be launched this year to provide parents with a better understanding of their leave options..
The report also states the government’s intention to consult on the introduction of dedicated employment rights for carers and supporting employers in improving their care staff’s work balance and care commitments. A taskforce will also be set up, including employers, to discuss steps to tackle workplace practices that allows pregnancy and maternity discrimination to continue.
Government will also liaise with employers in sectors with the largest gender imbalances, to share measures to overcome gender disparities in apprenticeships, and to equalise men and women’s participation rates in workplace pension schemes.
