You are:

Women and work commission report a missed opportunity

27 February 2006

The union branded the Women and Work Commission's report published today a missed opportunity and warned that its recommendations did not go far enough in addressing gender pay discrimination.

Whilst welcoming recommendations on skills, training and part time work, the union expressed its bitter disappointment that compulsory pay audits were not included. Pointing to a gender pay gap of 25% in the civil service, 8% above that in the rest of the economy the union called on the government to get its own house in order by addressing the scandal of pay inequality in the civil service.

Commenting, Janice Godrich, PCS president said: "There is a real sense of disappointment that the commission hasn't recommended compulsory equal pay audits. Whilst some of the recommendations are welcome, they simply don't go far enough in addressing the scandal of pay inequality. If achieving equality at work is a legitimate social aim, which clearly the government state it is, then all avenues open to society to achieve this, including legalisation, should be utilised.

Half measures don't fill a cup.Tinkering around the edges by offering better career advice, training and more flexible working is all well and good, but it has to be backed up by affirmative action such equal pay reviews if the pay gap is to be properly addressed. Additionally the government as an employer has to get its own house in order where the gender pay gap in the civil service stands at a staggering 25%."
 

View all News